DETROIT — Taylor Ward delivered a standout performance with a home run and nearly completed the cycle, driving in three runs to propel the Los Angeles Angels to a victory over the Detroit Tigers. Ward’s impressive display was key in the Angels’ win, as his offensive contributions came early and often during the game.
Ward began by doubling in a run during the first inning, followed by a single and a run scored in the fourth. His two-run homer in the fifth inning was a crucial highlight. Ward also contributed a ground out in the seventh inning, rounding out a strong all-around showing. Angels starter Yusei Kikuchi (6-7) pitched five innings, surrendering four runs, while Kenley Jansen secured his 21st save, marking his 20th consecutive outing without yielding an earned run—a career best.
On the Tigers’ side, veteran Charlie Morton (7-10) fanned 10 batters to match his season high but allowed six runs on seven hits over 4 1/3 innings. Despite his dominance on the mound with strikeouts, Morton was unable to contain the Angels’ offense.
Game Dynamics and Key Moments
The Angels struck first with Ward’s RBI double in the opening frame, establishing a 1-0 lead. However, Detroit responded quickly, scoring twice in the second inning thanks to an RBI single by Andy Ibáñez and a sacrifice fly by Jake Rogers. The game’s momentum shifted as Morton struck out seven batters consecutively after Ward’s initial double, a streak broken by Mike Trout‘s leadoff groundout in the fourth inning.
Ward’s single and a hit-by-pitch to Yoán Moncada set the stage for Jo Adell’s three–run home run, pushing the Angels ahead 4-2. This offensive surge helped define a game where the Angels’ resilience saw them overcome early pressure. These pivotal plays underscored the effort and determination shown by the Angels to maintain their advantage.
Other Noteworthy MLB Matchups from Saturday
Brewers Rally Past Mets, Curtailing Alonso’s Franchise Record Quest
MILWAUKEE — William Contreras capped a four-run seventh inning with a home run as the Milwaukee Brewers defeated the New York Mets 7-4, handed the Mets their sixth loss in a row, and spoiled Pete Alonso’s bid to break a long-standing franchise record. Alonso’s 252nd career home run in the second inning tied him with Darryl Strawberry’s record that had stood for 37 years. Despite this milestone, the Mets continue to struggle, falling 4 1/2 games behind first-place Philadelphia in the NL East and dangerously close to losing their playoff spot.
New York’s Juan Soto hit his 28th homer, giving the Mets a 4-3 lead in the fifth, and Starling Marte added a solo shot, but the Brewers’ late rally secured the win.
Braves Dominate Doubleheader against Marlins with Ozuna’s Power Display
ATLANTA — Marcell Ozuna’s two homers powered the Atlanta Braves to a sweep of their doubleheader against the Miami Marlins, marking the first Major League Baseball games officiated by a female umpire, Jen Pawol. Pawol received enthusiastic ovations during both games, and her cap from the first game will be donated to the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
The Braves took the opener 7-1 behind rookie Hurston Waldrep and Michael Harris II’s three-run homer. In the nightcap, Erick Fedde (4-12) earned the win, while Raisel Iglesias secured his 16th save. Ozuna’s solo homer in the fourth and three-run shot in the fifth helped Atlanta overcome an early 4-0 deficit. Catcher Drake Baldwin had a combined five RBIs over the doubleheader.
Marlins’ starter Sandy Alcantara took the loss, allowing five runs in five innings, including both home runs hit by Ozuna, elevating his ERA to 6.55.
Nationals’ Brad Lord Cruises to First Starting Win Against Giants
SAN FRANCISCO — Brad Lord recorded his first victory as a starter in the Washington Nationals’ 4-2 win over the San Francisco Giants. Lord’s six innings allowed one run and four hits with five strikeouts and two walks during his third major league start. This win followed two earlier victories he earned in relief.
James Wood, Paul DeJong, and Josh Bell all went deep for the Nationals, who had been shut out in their previous two games. Wood’s leadoff home run was his first in a month. On the Giants’ side, Rafael Devers homered for the second straight day, while Dominic Smith extended his hitting streak to 13 games, the longest active streak in Major League Baseball.
Jose A. Ferrer secured his second career save and first of the season by closing out the game.
Cincinnati Reds Snap Losing Streak with Key Double from Noelvi Marte
PITTSBURGH — Nick Martinez delivered a strong start with seven innings of solid pitching as the Cincinnati Reds edged the Pittsburgh Pirates 2-1 to stop a three–game losing skid. Rookie Noelvi Marte was instrumental offensively, doubling three times, driving in one run, and scoring another while setting a career high in doubles.
Martinez (10-9) allowed a single run on four hits and two walks while striking out four. Emilio Pagán earned his 25th save despite a leadoff walk in the ninth; the game ended on a double play initiated by Elly De La Cruz. The Pirates had taken a brief 1-0 lead in the third inning on a double and sacrifice fly but could not hold it.
Kansas City Royals Pitching and Timely Hits Defeat Minnesota Twins
MINNEAPOLIS — Noah Cameron combined with four relievers on a strong eight-hit performance as the Kansas City Royals defeated the Minnesota Twins 2-0. Cameron worked 5 2/3 innings, allowing six hits and striking out four while Carlos Estévez recorded his 29th save with two strikeouts in the ninth.
Mikel Garcia’s RBI single in the third inning broke the scoreless tie, and Jonathan India’s RBI single in the ninth provided insurance. The Twins struggled offensively, leaving 10 men on base and failing 0-for-10 with runners in scoring position. Bailey Ober (4-7), the Twins’ starter, gave up four hits and one run over six innings.
Athletics Overwhelm Orioles with Big Offensive Outburst
BALTIMORE — Brent Rooker and Shea Langeliers homered to lead the Oakland Athletics to an 11-3 victory over the Baltimore Orioles. Langeliers’ two–run homer came in the first inning, but Baltimore responded with three runs in their half of the inning. The A’s regained command in the third with Rooker’s three-run homer and a sacrifice fly from Darell Hernaiz.
Oakland widened its lead with a five-run fifth inning featuring RBIs from Rooker, Luis Urías, Gio Urshela, and Langeliers. Starter Jack Perkins earned his first win of the season by allowing three runs on three hits with five strikeouts in six innings. Baltimore’s Brandon Young (0-6) was charged with six earned runs over three innings, while reliever Yaramil Hiraldo gave up four runs in relief.
Phillies Edge Rangers Behind Max Kepler’s Clutch Double
ARLINGTON, Texas — Max Kepler drove in two runs with a decisive double in the seventh inning to lead the Philadelphia Phillies to a 3-2 win over Texas. The victory handed All-Star pitcher Jacob deGrom his third consecutive loss. Brandon Marsh’s lead-off single and Harrison Bader’s walk set the stage for Kepler’s clutch RBI double.
Jesús Luzardo (11-5) pitched six innings for the Phillies, striking out four and walking one while allowing just one run. The Phillies’ closer Jhoan Durán worked a perfect ninth inning for his third save since joining the team at the trade deadline, bringing his total saves to 19.
Despite deGrom’s solid outing with eight strikeouts over 6 2/3 innings, the Rangers came up short.
Cleveland’s CJ Kayfus Shines in Win Over White Sox
CHICAGO — Rookie CJ Kayfus hit his first major league home run and scored twice to power the Cleveland Guardians to a 3-1 victory over the Chicago White Sox. Kayfus, promoted on August 2, homered in the sixth inning to break a 1-1 tie. Earlier, he walked and scored on Brayan Rocchio’s double that gave Cleveland the lead.
Kyle Manzardo drove in Cleveland’s first run with a single, while Steven Kwan scored on that play. Starter Joey Cantillo (3-2) pitched 5 2/3 innings, allowing one run on four hits and striking out three. Closer Cade Smith recorded his fifth save with a perfect ninth inning.
Michael A. Taylor contributed a late homer for Chicago, his eighth this season and third in four games, tying the score temporarily. White Sox starter Sean Burke (4-9) gave up two runs over 3 1/3 innings but struck out seven batters.
Chicago Cubs Dominate Cardinals Behind Michael Busch’s Power Batting
ST. LOUIS — Michael Busch’s three–run home run and Matt Shaw’s homer plus an RBI triple propelled the Chicago Cubs to a commanding 9-1 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals. The Cubs rebounded from a shutout loss in the series opener to build a six-run lead by the second inning against starter Andre Pallante (6-9).
Colin Rea (9-5) held the Cardinals to a single run on six innings while Carson Kelly and Dansby Swanson contributed three hits apiece. Busch’s early impact began with a leadoff double and was highlighted by his 22nd homer of the season, his sixth in eight games vs. the Cardinals this year.
Diamondbacks Edge Rockies on a Ninth-Inning Rally
PHOENIX — Lourdes Gurriel Jr. hit a clutch double off the left-field wall in the ninth inning that brought home the winning run as the Arizona Diamondbacks defeated the Colorado Rockies 6-5. Gurriel had three RBIs, including adding runs earlier with a sacrifice fly and single. Geraldo Perdomo’s double earlier in the frame helped set up the decisive play.
Andrew Hoffmann, recently acquired from Kansas City, closed out with a perfect ninth inning to earn his first major league win. Corbin Carroll homered for the third consecutive game, tying his career high with 25 homers, a mark set when he won National League Rookie of the Year two years ago.
Padres Rally to a 10th-Inning Win Over Red Sox
SAN DIEGO — Ramón Laureano’s game-winning single in the 10th inning scored Xander Bogaerts and lifted the San Diego Padres to a 5-4 victory against Boston. Bogaerts had a strong game with a homer, RBI single, and a walk. The tie had been set earlier by Roman Anthony in the ninth inning with a ground-rule double.
The Padres capitalized on Boston’s baserunning error by Manny Machado and a fifth-inning meltdown by Red Sox starter Lucas Giolito, which saw two runs walk in, swinging momentum their way. Garrett Whitlock (5-2) took the loss after surrendering the winning hit.
Dodgers Overwhelm Blue Jays with Ohtani’s Landmark Homer
LOS ANGELES — Shohei Ohtani hit his 40th home run of the season as the Los Angeles Dodgers crushed the Toronto Blue Jays 9-1. Blake Snell delivered an outstanding pitching performance, striking out 10 batters in five scoreless innings. The Dodgers opened scoring in the fourth with Max Muncy’s two-run homer, followed by Ohtani’s solo shot in the fifth off starter Chris Bassitt (11-6).
This marks the third consecutive year and fourth overall time Ohtani has reached the 40-home-run milestone, a feat matching his previous MVP seasons. Los Angeles broke the game wide open with a six-run sixth inning that featured two-run singles from Dalton Rushing and Mookie Betts, plus a two-run double from Andy Pages.
Snell, returning from a shoulder injury sustained earlier in the season, allowed just three hits and three walks and recorded his second victory since August 2.
The Importance of Ward’s Impact and Look Ahead
Taylor Ward’s exemplary performance had a direct and lasting impact on the Angels’ victory over the Tigers, showcasing his ability to change the game’s momentum with both power and consistency. His near-cycle and timely hitting not only gave the Angels early leads but also kept pressure on the opposition’s pitching staff. Yusei Kikuchi’s steadiness and Kenley Jansen’s closing efficiency combined to preserve a critical win for Los Angeles.
Ward’s continued offensive contributions enhance the Angels’ prospects for the remainder of the season, building optimism within the team and among fans for sustained success. As the Angels push forward in a competitive division, players like Ward remain central to their hopes of securing playoff positioning. Meanwhile, this game highlights the determination embedded within the lineup and the resilience to capitalize on chances, signaling an encouraging outlook moving deeper into the season.