In a dramatic finish at Angel Stadium on Wednesday night, Jorge Soler delivered a three-run double in the bottom of the ninth inning to lift the Los Angeles Angels to a 5-4 comeback win over the Toronto Blue Jays. The win marked a significant momentum shift for the Angels, who overcame a late deficit to clinch their second consecutive victory in the series.
Pre-Game Odds and Expectations
Before the game, oddsmakers viewed the matchup as evenly poised. The moneyline odds reflected this balance, with the Angels listed around -105 and the Blue Jays close behind at -115. These tight margins underscored a competitive series between two clubs looking to rebound from recent inconsistencies.
Pitching Highlights and Early Scoring
Yusei Kikuchi started for the Angels and turned in a composed outing, allowing one run on five hits over six innings. He struck out multiple batters and kept the Blue Jays from building momentum early. On the other side, Toronto’s José Berríos was sharp through six innings, surrendering two runs on solo home runs by Kyren Paris and Yoán Moncada. Berríos recorded nine strikeouts and induced 18 swinging strikes, continuing a strong run of form.
The game remained tied at one through the middle innings. In the top of the seventh, Toronto broke through against Angels reliever Reid Detmers. Ernie Clement began the rally with a double, and back-to-back singles from Andrés Giménez and Myles Straw pushed the Blue Jays ahead. Bo Bichette followed with a two-run single to extend the lead to 4-1.
Paris responded for the Angels in the bottom half of the frame with his second home run of the season, cutting the deficit to 4-2. A key defensive moment preserved the Angels’ chances in the top of the eighth. With two on and one out, Yoán Moncada made a diving stop at third base, stepping on the bag and throwing to first for a double play to end the inning.
Ninth-Inning Drama and Soler’s Heroics
Blue Jays closer Jeff Hoffman entered in the ninth with a two-run lead but quickly found trouble. He issued a four-pitch walk to Kyren Paris, then allowed singles to Zach Neto and Nolan Schanuel to load the bases with no outs. After striking out Taylor Ward, Hoffman faced Jorge Soler, who drove a 2-1 cutter deep into the left field corner. The ball rolled past outfielder Jonatan Clase, clearing the bases and giving the Angels a walk-off victory.
Brock Burke, who pitched a scoreless top of the ninth, earned the win to improve to 3-0 on the season. After blowing the save opportunity, Hoffman was charged with the loss, his first of the year.
Looking Ahead
With the series finale scheduled for Thursday, right-hander José Soriano (2-4, 3.83 ERA) is expected to take the mound for the Angels. Toronto counters with Chris Bassitt (2-2, 2.95 ERA) as both clubs aim to finish the series on a high note.