Angels’ offense falters in defeat against Orioles

ANAHEIM, Calif. — The Los Angeles Angels experienced a significant drop in offensive production following a strong performance in their previous series against the Athletics. After scoring 27 runs over the weekend, the Angels were shut out until Jorge Soler hit a home run to start the ninth inning, ultimately losing to the Baltimore Orioles by a score of 6-1.

Angels manager Kurt Suzuki addressed the team's lack of offense, stating, "Just off the barrel stuff. I thought they were taking good swings early in the count and just missing them." In the first inning, Nolan Schanuel and Jo Adell managed to get on base with consecutive singles, placing runners on first and second with one out; however, the Angels failed to capitalize on the opportunity and did not score again until Soler's homer.

Throughout the game, the Angels only drew one walk, struck out 10 times, and recorded just seven hits total, with only two baserunners managing to reach scoring position. The Orioles' pitcher Kyle Bradish, a former Angels farmhand, threw eight scoreless innings, striking out nine batters while allowing only one walk and six hits. Suzuki commented on the offensive approach, suggesting that the hitters might have been guessing or not fully engaged.

Left-hander Sam Aldegheri struggled on the mound, particularly with home runs. Taylor Ward, who made his return to Angel Stadium after spending the past eight years with the Angels, hit a lead-off home run in the game. Although Aldegheri quickly retired the next nine batters, he faced problems in the fourth inning, where he allowed a walk and a single before giving up a three-run homer to Coby Mayo that pushed the score to 4-0.

"I feel like it was pretty much one pitch, that three-run homer," Suzuki said. He added that while Aldegheri started well, the execution in crucial counts needed improvement. Aldegheri was pulled from the game in the fifth inning after the Orioles loaded the bases, leading to a sacrifice fly by Pete Alonso that scored another run. Aldegheri expressed frustration about his performance, noting, "I'm not satisfied; it's frustrating... I didn't really give a chance to the team to win the game. But I give up two homers. That's pretty much it." The Orioles padded their lead with an additional run in the seventh inning, thanks to an RBI triple from Gunnar Henderson against Brent Suter.