Angels Secure Victory Over Tigers with 7-4 Win

Taylor Ward showcased his power at the plate, hitting a two-run homer and driving in three runs as the Los Angeles Angels defeated the Detroit Tigers 7-4 on Saturday night.

Ward's offensive contributions included an RBI double in the first inning, a single and a run scored in the fourth, and a decisive two-run homer in the fifth. His only blemish was a groundout in the seventh.

On the mound, Angels starter Yusei Kikuchi (6-7) faced challenges, allowing four runs over five innings. Kenley Jansen secured the win with his 21st save, marking his 20th consecutive appearance without yielding an earned run.

Detroit's Charlie Morton (7-10) struck out ten batters, tying his season high, but struggled with six runs allowed on seven hits across 4 1/3 innings.

The scoring began with Ward's double, giving the Angels a 1-0 lead. The Tigers responded in the second inning with Andy Ibáñez's RBI single and Jake Rogers' sacrifice fly, taking a brief 2-1 lead.

Morton found his rhythm, striking out seven consecutive batters after Ward's double until Mike Trout broke the streak with a groundout. Following that, Ward's single and a hit-by-pitch on Yoán Moncada set the stage for Jo Adell's three-run homer, pushing the Angels ahead 4-2.

Detroit fought back in the fourth, tying the game with Matt Vierling's sacrifice fly and Gleyber Torres' RBI double.

Ward's two-run homer in the fifth inning ended Morton's night on a high note for the Angels. Luis Rengifo added to the lead with a homer in the eighth, making it 7-4.

In a critical moment during the sixth inning, trailing 6-4, the Tigers had runners on first and second with no outs. However, Kikuchi struck out pinch-hitter Kerry Carpenter and forced Torres into a groundout to escape the jam.

Morton’s hit-by-pitch of Moncada marked his 11th of the season, continuing a trend where he has hit at least ten batters in twelve seasons, leading all active pitchers with 198.

Looking ahead, Detroit's Casey Mize (10-4, 3.50 ERA) is scheduled to face Jack Kochanowicz (3-9, 5.85) in Sunday’s series finale.