The Tampa Bay Rays celebrated a 5-2 victory over the Los Angeles Angels on Sunday, thanks to a strong performance by pitcher Shane McClanahan and a key home run by Jonathan Aranda. McClanahan, now with a 6-2 record, pitched five innings allowing only one run, four hits, and striking out three without issuing a walk. Bryan Baker closed the game with a scoreless ninth inning, securing his career-high 16th save of the season.

Game Highlights

Jonathan Aranda set the tone early with a solo home run in the first inning. The Angels responded in the second inning when Jose Siri singled, advanced to third on Logan O’Hoppe’s double, and scored on a wild pitch by McClanahan, tying the game at 1-1.

The Rays regained the lead in the third inning. Aranda and Richie Palacios drew consecutive walks, and Junior Camerino’s single loaded the bases. Victor Mesa Jr. and Cedric Mullins contributed with an RBI single and a walk, respectively, pushing the Rays ahead 3-1.

Although the Angels’ Logan O’Hoppe hit a solo homer in the seventh inning to narrow the gap, the Rays extended their lead in the bottom of the inning. Pinch-hitter Ben Williamson singled to drive in a run and stole second base, setting up Taylor Walls to walk and load the bases. Yandy Díaz then drew an eight-pitch walk, scoring Chandler Simpson and finalizing the score at 5-2.

For the Angels, Jack Kochanowicz struggled, allowing three runs, five hits, and four walks in just over two innings.

Looking Ahead

The Rays will continue their season with RHP Griffin Jax (1-3, 3.60 ERA) starting Monday in the opener of a home series against Detroit, which has yet to announce their starting pitcher. Meanwhile, the Angels’ RHP José Soriano (6-4, 2.65 ERA) is scheduled to pitch against the Colorado Rockies’ LHP Kyle Freeland (1-6, 8.08 ERA) in the first game of a three-game series at home.

Original reporting: WESH Orlando — read the source article.