In a low-scoring duel between the Los Angeles Angels and Chicago White Sox, it was Mike Trout's baserunning prowess and Shohei Ohtani's home run power that ultimately made the difference. The Angels edged out the White Sox 2-1 on Monday night, thanks to Trout scoring the winning run on a wild pitch in the bottom of the ninth.
Despite striking out in his first three at-bats, Trout drew a crucial leadoff walk in the ninth. Ohtani followed suit with a walk of his own, setting the stage for some exciting baserunning. The dynamic duo successfully executed a double steal, putting Trout in prime position to score. A wild pitch from White Sox reliever Aaron Bummer allowed Trout to slide home headfirst, securing the Angels' victory.
Trout acknowledged his early struggles at the plate but emphasized his determination to get on base and create opportunities. Manager Phil Nevin praised Trout's all-around abilities and the impact of both superstars on the game's outcome.
Ohtani continued his impressive run, smashing his 26th home run of the season – a towering 446-foot shot – to tie the game at 1-1 in the fourth inning. This marked Ohtani's 11th homer in his last 19 games, further solidifying his case for American League Player of the Month honors.
While Luis Robert Jr. extended his own home run streak to three games with a solo shot for the White Sox in the first inning, Chicago's offense struggled to generate much else. White Sox manager Pedro Grifol lamented the team's inability to produce more than one run.
Both starting pitchers delivered strong performances. The Angels' Reid Detmers recorded eight strikeouts and allowed just one run in six innings, while the White Sox's Dylan Cease fanned 10 batters over six-plus innings, also surrendering just one run.
Newly acquired Angels infielder Mike Moustakas made his debut, going 1 for 3. Another recent addition, Eduardo Escobar, was placed on the restricted list to complete his American citizenship test and is expected to return to the lineup by Wednesday.
The Angels will send Ohtani to the mound for the second game of the series against White Sox right-hander Michael Kopech.
