In a dramatic late-inning turnaround, the Los Angeles Angels defeated the San Diego Padres 9-5 on Monday night at Petco Park, fueled by a six-run rally in the ninth inning capped by a Taylor Ward grand slam. The win marked a significant momentum shift for the Angels, who overcame a multi-run deficit against one of the league’s top closers.
Pre-Game Betting Odds
Before the first pitch, most sportsbooks had the Padres as slight favorites, with moneyline odds around -130. The Angels, considered underdogs in the matchup, were generally set at +110. The over/under for total runs was set at 8.5, reflecting expectations for moderate scoring in the series opener.
Ninth-Inning Collapse for Padres
Padres closer Robert Suarez, who had been nearly flawless with 18 consecutive saves entering the game, could not maintain a two-run lead in the top of the ninth. After recording one out, Suarez surrendered a single followed by four straight walks, allowing two runs to score and tying the game at five. Alek Jacob entered in relief and struck out Jorge Soler for the second out, but Taylor Ward followed with a powerful swing on a 2-2 pitch, sending the ball deep into the left-field stands for a grand slam. Ward’s fifth career grand slam solidified the Angels’ comeback.
The blown save marked Suarez’s first of the season. He had previously allowed only one run in 18 appearances and had not issued more than two walks in a single outing until Monday night.
Angels’ Offensive Contributions
Zach Neto opened scoring for the Angels with a two-run homer in the third inning. Ward’s slam brought his RBI total for the night to four, while Soler and Neto also contributed to the offensive effort. The Angels managed nine runs on nine hits and drew six walks.
Yusei Kikuchi started for the Angels and pitched six innings, giving up four runs—two earned—on seven hits while striking out four. He made a key error on a comebacker in the third inning, allowing two unearned runs to score. Brock Burke (4-0) earned the win with a scoreless eighth, and Kenley Jansen closed the game with two strikeouts in the ninth.
Padres’ Early Control and Missed Opportunities
The Padres took an early lead with a three-run bottom of the third inning, including an RBI by Jackson Merrill and a two-run error on Kikuchi’s miscue. Fernando Tatis Jr. added a solo home run in the fifth, his 10th season, while Xander Bogaerts chipped in with a sacrifice fly in the eighth to make it 5-3.
Michael King started for San Diego and allowed three runs—two earned—on four hits in 5 2/3 innings. He struck out eight in a strong outing, ultimately undone by the bullpen’s collapse.
Looking Ahead
The series continues Tuesday night with Angels right-hander José Soriano (2-4, 4.00 ERA) scheduled to face Padres right-hander Dylan Cease (1-2, 4.91 ERA). The Angels will aim to maintain their momentum as they secure a series win on the road.
