Travis d'Arnaud launched a three-run homer, Walbert Ureña delivered a stellar start, and the Los Angeles Angels cruised to an 8-2 victory over the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday night in Anaheim. It was a much-needed win for the Halos, who secured their first series victory since early April—a promising sign for a team that had been struggling to find its rhythm.
The game turned in the second inning when d'Arnaud, serving as the backup catcher, crushed a 396-foot blast off White Sox starter Noah Schultz for his first homer of the season. That swing ignited a five-run rally that put the Angels firmly in control. Bryce Teodosio followed with a double that slipped past right fielder Jarred Kelenic, and Zach Neto added an RBI triple. Mike Trout then contributed with an infield popup that second baseman Chase Meidroth lost in the afternoon sun, allowing another run to score.
The Angels kept the pressure on in the fourth inning, capitalizing on some wildness from reliever Osvaldo Bido. Jorge Soler and Jo Adell were both hit by pitches with the bases loaded, forcing in two more runs and extending the lead to 8-1.
On the mound, Ureña was sharp, allowing just one run on two hits over six innings while striking out five and walking three. It was his second quality start of the season, and the bullpen trio of Brent Suter, Drew Pomeranz, and Chase Silseth combined to finish off a four-hitter, keeping the White Sox offense in check.
Chicago's standout rookie Munetaka Murakami, who entered the game tied for the major league lead with 14 home runs, had a night to forget, striking out four times—the second time he's done so this season. Meidroth managed two hits for the White Sox, but it wasn't enough to overcome the early deficit.
Schultz, who had allowed just six earned runs over his previous four starts, struggled mightily, surrendering seven hits and seven runs in just 3 2/3 innings. It was a rare off night for the young left-hander.
The White Sox head home to face the Seattle Mariners on Friday, with right-hander Sean Burke (2-2, 2.72 ERA) taking the mound against Seattle's Emerson Hancock (2-1, 2.59 ERA). Meanwhile, the Angels travel to Toronto for a series opener, sending lefty Reid Detmers (1-2, 4.28 ERA) to the hill against Blue Jays right-hander Dylan Cease (2-1, 3.05 ERA). Both teams will be looking to build on this momentum as the season heats up.