Angels win behind huge day from Jared Walsh

The Angels picked up their second straight win and third in four games as they defeated the Astros, 5-4.

Jared Walsh had himself quite the day, as he reached base all five days on Monday. He singled in the second inning and got to third base, but couldn’t be brought in. In the fourth, he gave the Angels their first run as he doubled in Mike Trout to give them a 1-0 lead.

LA’s biggest inning came in the fifth when they scored four runs, being the difference maker in the game. Walsh hit a solo home run, his seventh of the season. Following him was Justin Upton, who also hit his seventh homer of the season as well.

The offense didn’t stop there. Jose Rojas walked and then Taylor Ward doubled. Phil Gosselin then singled in a run, tying the game up at four. Drew Butera, who has been clutch at the plate since being dealt to the Angels, brought in a run with a sacrifice bunt to give the Angels the 5-4 lead, and ultimately what turned out to be the game-winning run.

Junior Guerra opened up the game for the Angels, throwing only one inning. He allowed three runs on three hits and issued two walks. Jose Suarez followed in relief, which Joe Maddon said would be the plan earlier in the game. He gave the Angels four solid innings, allowing only one run and striking out three.

Raisel Iglesias closed the game out in the ninth, striking out two for his sixth save of the season. The Angels are now only four games out of first place.

Monday particulars

WP: Jose Suarez (1-0) 4 IP, 1 ER, 3 SO

LP: Brandon Bielak (1-2) ¹⁄₃ IP, 2 ER

SV: Raisel Iglesias (6) 1 IP, 0 ER, 2 SO

HR: Jared Walsh (7) Justin Upton (7)

Box score