The Los Angeles Angels snapped their four-game losing streak on Sunday, fueled by the power of Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout, who both launched solo home runs. Mickey Moniak also contributed significantly with a crucial three-run blast in the second inning, propelling the Angels to a 5-2 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks, despite Zac Gallen's impressive 12-strikeout performance.
This marked the 30th instance in six seasons that Ohtani and Trout have homered in the same game, and the eighth time this year. The Angels boast a strong 21-9 record when this dynamic duo goes deep, including a 7-1 mark this season. Manager Phil Nevin praised the offensive display, highlighting Ohtani's impactful home run, Trout's contribution, and Moniak's clutch hit on a breaking ball.
Reid Detmers (2-5) delivered a dominant performance for the Angels, striking out nine batters and allowing only two runs over six innings. This continues a remarkable streak for Detmers, who has now recorded at least eight strikeouts while giving up two or fewer runs in five consecutive starts. This achievement puts him in the company of Angels pitching legend Nolan Ryan, who accomplished the same feat in 1972-73. Carlos Estévez secured the win with his 21st save of the season.
Detmers acknowledged the team's recent struggles and expressed satisfaction with the victory, despite his performance not being at its peak. Carson Kelly provided the Diamondbacks' offense with a solo home run, but the team was limited to just four hits.
Despite learning of his first-ever NL All-Star selection before the game, Gallen (10-3) couldn't lead his team to victory. He tied his season-high in strikeouts, falling just one shy of his career-best. While Gallen entered the game with a reputation for limiting home runs, he surrendered two in this contest, marking the second time this season he's allowed that many. Gallen expressed mixed feelings about his All-Star selection, acknowledging the disappointment of the loss but recognizing the significance of the achievement.
Ohtani’s 31st home run of the season, a towering 454-foot shot to right field in the eighth inning, further solidified his status as one of baseball's premier power hitters. Trout's first-inning home run, his 18th of the year, marked his first home run at Angel Stadium since June 7. Moniak's three-run blast, his ninth of the year, proved to be the decisive blow, giving the Angels a 4-2 lead and helping them avoid a sweep at the hands of the NL West-leading Diamondbacks.
Moniak credited pre-game preparation for his success against Gallen, explaining how he anticipated the knuckle curve and capitalized on the opportunity. Kelly's home run, his first of the year, came after a prolonged absence due to a fractured forearm suffered during spring training.
The Diamondbacks played without rookie outfielder Corbin Carroll for the third consecutive game due to a sore shoulder, while the Angels placed infielder Brandon Drury on the injured list with a left shoulder contusion. The Diamondbacks will return home to face the New York Mets after an off-day on Monday, while the Angels will travel to San Diego to begin a three-game series.
