Angels’ six-game winning streak ends in rain-interrupted loss to White Sox
CHICAGO — Tim Anderson and Luis Robert homered to help the Chicago White Sox beat the Angels 4-0 on a rainy Saturday, snapping the Angels’ six-game winning streak.
Josh Harrison, AJ Pollock and Anderson had two hits apiece for the White Sox, who won for the second time in 12 games.
“It was definitely cool to be able to jump out on them the way we did today and just try to bring the energy that we need,” Anderson said.
Vince Velasquez (1-2) held the Angels to four hits and struck out six in 5 2/3 innings. He was 0-9 with a 9.57 ERA in his previous 12 starts.
Angels two-way star Shohei Ohtani will have more help this season to hopefully carry the team to October, writes columnist Dylan Hernández.
A downpour forced a rain delay in the sixth inning, with Mike Trout facing a 2-2 count. As players exited the field, Trout remained at the plate and Velasquez on the mound. They smiled at each other, and Trout gestured for Velasquez to continue pitching before walking to the dugout.
“I wanted to get that last throw in there,” Velasquez said. “That’s just how the competitive nature just takes over and how much I wanted to at least finish that inning out.”
Tanner Banks replaced Velasquez after the 1-hour, 1-minute delay and got Trout to ground out on his first pitch — the ninth of the delayed at-bat.
Tyler Wade had two hits for the AL West-leading Angels, who were trying to climb to eight games above .500 for the first time since June 10, 2018. Three-time MVP Trout and reigning MVP Shohei Ohtani were a combined 0 for 8 with two strikeouts.
Robert connected in his second game back from a groin strain for a three-run shot off Jose Suarez (0-2) in the fifth, scoring Harrison and Anderson.
Anderson also homered against Suarez for his 15th career leadoff shot and eighth on a first pitch.
“We’re going to hit,” Chicago manager Tony La Russa said. “As long as they keep the attitude that they have now and stay positive and keep working, we’re going to hit.”
Liam Hendriks, who has a 5.40 ERA, got Trout and Ohtani to fly out before issuing a walk and inducing a lineout to end the game.
Chicago has scored four runs or more just three times since April 13.
Velasquez last won June 29, 2021, against Miami. He retired nine straight before allowing two-out singles to Kurt Suzuki and Wade in the fifth. David Fletcher lined out to end the inning.
“He pitched a heck of a game,” Anderson said. “He came out and he did what he was supposed to do, and he was competing through a tough lineup.”
Suarez gave up four runs and eight hits in four innings.
“I overall thought he took a step forward today,” manager Joe Maddon said. “Without getting too specific, there’s other things he needs to do a little bit better.”
Costly call
Home-plate umpire Larry Vanover called Brandon Marsh out on a 3-2 pitch with two on in the eighth before Trout would have batted.
“We all miss calls. We all make mistakes,” Maddon said. “I’m sure he’s not happy about it. That’s part of the game. We could have scored more runs. We didn’t. It’s just one pitch.”
Notes: Angels RHP Archie Bradley (left abdominal strain) went on the 10-day injured list, and RHP Elvis Peguero was recalled from triple-A Salt Lake. ... RHP Noah Syndergaard (illness) was doing well after he was scratched Friday, Maddon said. He hadn’t decided when Syndergaard will next start. ... Fletcher will play at second base to help him return from his hip injury, Maddon said. Fletcher started at shortstop Friday after he was activated from the injured list.
Up next: RHP Michael Lorenzen (2-1, 2.93 ERA) is scheduled to start for the Angels on Sunday, facing White Sox LHP Dallas Keuchel (1-2, 9.00).
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