Moncada's clutch hit highlights 4-run rally that lifts Angels over Rangers 8-5
ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Pinch-hitter Yoan Moncada keyed a four-run sixth inning with a two-run single, Gustavo Campero also drove in two runs and the Los Angeles Angels beat the Texas Rangers 8-5 on Tuesday night.
Texas took a 4-3 lead with two runs in the sixth, one scoring on Ezequiel Duran’s RBI single and the other on an error. But two walks by Rangers reliever Jon Gray (1-1) opened the door for the Angels in the bottom half.
Campero tied it when he doubled to shallow left-center, with Texas center fielder Sam Haggerty coming up short on his attempt at a sliding catch. Moncada lined his two-out single to right for a 6-4 lead, and Zach Neto doubled to make it 7-4.
The Rangers outhit the Angels 14-6. Kyle Higashioka had three hits, including solo homers in the fourth and eighth for his sixth career multihomer game. He scored three times.
Both benches and bullpens emptied briefly in the bottom of the eighth after Rangers reliever Shawn Armstrong hit Neto and Mike Trout with pitches, prompting an angry exchange between Angels interim manager Ray Montgomery and Texas manager Bruce Bochy. No punches were thrown.
Angels left-hander Reid Detmers (4-2) struck out two in a scoreless seventh, and Kenley Jansen worked a scoreless ninth for his 20th save.
Texas starter Patrick Corbin shook off a 30-pitch, two-run first to complete five innings. He gave up three runs — two earned — and three hits.
Angels starter Yusei Kikuchi allowed four runs, three earned, and 10 hits in 5 1/3 innings.
Key moment
Rangers right fielder Adolis Garcia, who dropped a routine fly that led to an Angels run in the fourth, robbed Nolan Schanuel of a two-run homer with a leaping catch to end the fifth, keeping the score 3-2.
Key stat
Jansen has not allowed an earned run in 17 consecutive appearances, the longest active streak by an American League pitcher and tying the longest such streak of his career.
Up next
Rangers right-hander Nathan Eovaldi (8-3, 3.50 ERA) faces Angels right-hander Jose Soriano (7-7, 3.79) in Wednesday night’s series finale.
___
AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB
MLB Wild Card Roundup: Ben Rice's Slam, Michael King's No-Hit Bid Highlight Game 1s
2026 MLB Wild Card Series Odds: What To Know About Each Matchup
MLB Playoffs: The Stars Who'll Define The 2026 Postseason
MLB Postseason Bracket, Schedule For Wild Card Round And World Series
ABS Challenge Decides MLB Playoff Game For First Time, And Phillies Stay Alive
After Carving Up Red Sox, Yankees Ace Cam Schlittler Eyes Becoming 'Legend'
Yankees' Aaron Judge Takes Swings in Double-A Park, Eyes Postseason Return
MLB Playoffs: 2026 Wild-Card Predictions, X-Factors And Why Each Team Can Win
Alec Bohm’s 10th-Inning Homer Saves Phillies’ Season In Thrilling Win Over Braves
