Taylor Ward Powers Angels Past Tigers With Homer, 3 RBI in 7-4 Win on August 9, 2025

Saturday, August 9th, 2025

Los Angeles Angels Triumph Over Detroit Tigers 7-4 Behind Taylor Ward's Big Night

The Los Angeles Angels earned a 7-4 victory against the Detroit Tigers, fueled by an outstanding offensive display from Taylor Ward. Ward finished just a triple shy of the cycle, delivering three RBIs to propel the Angels to a win on Saturday night.

Taylor Ward Shines at the Plate

Ward contributed in multiple ways throughout the game. He put the Angels on the board early with an RBI double in the first inning, singled and scored in the fourth, and provided the key blow with a two-run homer in the fifth. Ward's versatility was on full display as he led the Angels' offense and generated crucial runs throughout the night.

Strong Efforts on the Mound

Yusei Kikuchi took the start for the Angels and allowed four runs across five innings, picking up his sixth win of the season. Kenley Jansen closed out the game for his 21st save, extending his streak to a career-best 20 consecutive outings without surrendering an earned run.

For the Tigers, Charlie Morton turned in a mixed performance. While the veteran right-hander notched a season-high 10 strikeouts, he gave up six runs on seven hits in just 4 1/3 innings of work and was charged with the loss.

Game Highlights

The Angels struck first as Ward doubled in a run in the opening frame. The Tigers answered in the second inning on an Andy Ibáñez RBI single and a Jake Rogers sacrifice fly, briefly taking the lead.

Morton found his groove after that, striking out seven consecutive batters following Ward's double. However, the Angels broke through again in the fourth inning, as Ward singled, Yoán Moncada was hit by a pitch, and Jo Adell blasted a three-run homer, giving the Angels a 4-2 advantage.

Detroit responded by tying the game in the same inning with a Matt Vierling sacrifice fly and a Gleyber Torres RBI double. The Angels ultimately pulled ahead in the fifth when Ward sent a two-run homer over the fence, ending Morton's outing. Luis Rengifo added insurance with a home run in the eighth, sealing the 7-4 outcome.

Key Moment

In the sixth inning, trailing 6-4, the Tigers threatened with runners on first and second and no one out. Kikuchi managed to escape the jam by striking out pinch-hitter Kerry Carpenter and coaxing a groundout from Torres, maintaining the Angels’ lead.

Key Stat

Charlie Morton's hit-by-pitch to Moncada marked his 11th of the season. Morton leads all active major league pitchers in hit batters, having reached that mark in 12 separate seasons, and totaling 198 for his career.

Up Next

In the series finale, Detroit will send right-hander Casey Mize (10-4, 3.50 ERA) to the mound to face Angels right-hander Jack Kochanowicz (3-9, 5.85 ERA) on Sunday.

In summary

The Los Angeles Angels secured a 7-4 win over the Detroit Tigers, highlighted by Taylor Ward's excellent performance at the plate and pivotal pitching moments. The Tigers saw strong strikeout numbers from Charlie Morton but were unable to overcome the Angels' timely offense. With both teams set for the series finale, the Angels aim to continue their momentum, while Detroit looks to bounce back at home.

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