Late Heroics Seal Close Contest
A single swing in the ninth inning provided all the separation needed for the Los Angeles Angels to defeat the Detroit Tigers, 3-2, at Angel Stadium on Sunday. The victory improves the Angels' record to 39-61, while the Tigers fall to 46-53.
The game remained tight through the middle frames, with Detroit holding a slim advantage before the final period. The Tigers took an early lead in the top of the first when McGonigle launched a 402-foot home run to left center, putting Detroit ahead 1-0.
The Angels responded in the second inning when Peraza reached on an infield single to third base, allowing Grissom to score and tie the game at 1-1.
Los Angeles turned the tables in the fifth inning. Neto scored on a groundout by Soler to shortstop, giving the home team a 2-1 lead. The Tigers answered back in the sixth inning when Neto singled to right field, driving in Peraza to tie the score at 2-2.
Pitching Duel Defines Early Innings
Ryan Johnson was the workhorse for the Angels, pitching five innings of relief. He allowed one earned run on two hits while striking out five batters, earning the win and improving his record to 2-4. Johnson was supported by a bullpen that kept Detroit off the board for the final four innings.
Samy Natera Jr. and Chase Silseth each pitched a scoreless inning to preserve the lead. Sam Bachman also contributed a perfect frame. Ryan Zeferjahn closed out the game with a save, his third of the season, despite allowing one hit and one earned run in the ninth.