In a crucial turnaround for the Los Angeles Angels, Reid Detmers delivered a stellar performance on the mound, conceding only one run over five innings to secure a 4-1 win against the Baltimore Orioles on Sunday, averting a potential season-opening sweep.
Following two challenging outings where the Angels were outscored 24-7 by the Orioles, a team meeting ensued after Saturday’s 13-4 defeat. However, Detmers (1-0) emerged as a beacon of stability, stifling the Orioles’ offense while Los Angeles managed to notch two runs in each of the opening innings.
Marking Ron Washington’s debut victory as a major league manager since 2014 with Texas, the Angels’ hiring of Washington in November was vindicated. Reflecting on Detmers’ pivotal contribution, Washington expressed, “That starting performance he gave us was exactly what we needed. It was crucial.”
Taylor Ward ignited the scoring with a two-run homer, setting the tone early. Despite Tyler Wells (0-1) lasting six innings and shutting down the Angels’ offense after the second inning, the damage had been done.
Detmers showcased his prowess, allowing only two hits while striking out seven and issuing three walks. José Soriano stepped up with three solid innings, and Carlos Estévez sealed the deal with a flawless ninth inning to clinch his first save of the season.
Speaking on the victory, Detmers remarked, “It felt good. We really needed it after the last two games haven’t been our best.”
Maintaining a 2-0 lead, Los Angeles extended their advantage in the second inning as Luis Rengifo and Logan O’Hoppe initiated with singles. A subsequent RBI single by Zach Neto, coupled with an error on a pickoff attempt by Orioles’ catcher James McCann, allowed O’Hoppe to score, further bolstering the Angels’ lead.
Although the Orioles managed to score a run via a bases-loaded walk in the bottom of the second, Detmers navigated through the inning unscathed. Despite a late threat by Baltimore in the seventh inning, Soriano’s exceptional performance shut down any hopes of a comeback.
As promising as the Orioles appeared in the initial games, questions loom regarding the depth of their pitching staff, especially with key starters Kyle Bradish and John Means sidelined due to injury. Despite Wells’ early struggles, he showcased resilience, tallying seven strikeouts without conceding a walk.
Looking ahead, the Angels are set to face the Miami Marlins in a three-game series, with Chase Silseth scheduled to start for Los Angeles on Monday. Meanwhile, the Orioles are gearing up to host the Kansas City Royals, with Dean Kremer slated to take the mound for Baltimore in Monday night’s matchup against Michael Wacha.
