The Los Angeles Angels were defeated by the New York Mets 6-3 on Wednesday afternoon at Citi Field, dropping their record to 49-53 as they continue to struggle in the American League wild card race. Meanwhile, the Mets improved to 59-44, building on their strong postseason performance last year and aiming for a World Series appearance this season.

Mike Trout Nears Major Career Milestones

In the loss, Angels star Mike Trout managed a home run in his 1-for-5 performance, marking his 18th homer of the year. This RBI was particularly significant, as it marked his 999th run batted in, bringing him just one short of reaching the 1,000 RBI milestone. Additionally, his 396th career home run puts him four away from hitting the 400 mark. Trout’s outstanding career includes three MVP awards, 11 All-Star selections, nine Silver Slugger trophies, and a Rookie of the Year title. This season, he is batting .237.

Upcoming Series Against the Seattle Mariners

Following their trip to the East Coast, the Angels will return west to face division rivals Seattle Mariners starting Thursday night. Seattle holds a 54-47 record and currently occupies the second wild card spot in the American League. The Angels are 2-3 against the Mariners this season, and first pitch is scheduled for 9:38 p.m. ET with left-hander Yusei Kikuchi on the mound for the Angels, opposing rookie Logan Evans. Kikuchi, a former Mariner and All-Star this season, has a 4-6 record with a 3.13 ERA.

Season Outlook and Trout’s Impact

Though the Angels face challenges in the wild card race, Mike Trout’s pursuit of these significant personal milestones adds a hopeful note to the season’s final stretch. His progress toward 1,000 RBIs and 400 home runs highlights his status as one of baseball’s all-time greats, while the upcoming games against the Mariners remain crucial for the Angels’ postseason aspirations.