Angels Suffer Another Tough Loss Against Blue Jays, Marking 15 Losses in 19 Games
TORONTO — The Toronto Blue Jays delivered a commanding performance on Saturday, defeating the Los Angeles Angels 14-1. Key contributions came from Brandon Valenzuela, who launched a three-run homer, and Ernie Clement, who not only hit a solo home run but also tied his career high with five hits.
The game’s turning point occurred in the fifth inning, during which the Blue Jays scored seven runs, significantly increasing their offensive momentum. Mason Fluharty (2-0) earned the victory, having pitched one inning, as Toronto achieved season highs in both runs and hits, totaling 20.
Clement’s impressive effort included two infield singles in the second and fourth innings, followed by a hard single in the fifth that brought in a run. He capped off his day with a homer off Mitch Farris to open the seventh inning, marking his second home run of the season, and then added a single in the ninth.
Valenzuela excelled with a four for five batting performance, driving in four runs in his first career four-hit game, and he nearly completed the cycle, missing out only on a triple. His three-run shot came on the very first pitch he saw from Farris in the fifth inning.
On a challenging day for the Angels, Mike Trout went 0 for 3 with three strikeouts before being replaced defensively, marking the end of a notable 23-game streak of reaching base in Toronto that began in May 2015.
The Angels managed to score their only run in the eighth inning, attributing it to Adam Frazier’s pinch-hit single. Frazier, who then took the mound in the bottom of the eighth, allowed four runs and five hits, including a solo home run from Jesús Sánchez.
Jack Kochanowicz (2-2) struggled on the mound for the Angels, surrendering nine hits and seven runs—six of which were earned—over just four-plus innings. Notably, he faced six batters in the fifth inning without recording an out. This loss adds to the Angels’ troubling trend, as they have now lost 15 of their last 19 games.
In a positive turn for the Blue Jays, Addison Barger returned to action after missing 29 games due to a sprained left ankle, managing to walk twice. He showcased his defensive skills by throwing out Jorge Soler at home plate with a 101.2 mph throw, marking the fastest outfield assist by a Blue Jays player since 2015 and the quickest in the majors this season.
Looking ahead, the Angels are slated to face Blue Jays’ left-handed pitcher Eric Lauer (1-4, 6.03 ERA) on Sunday, while José Soriano (5-2, 1.74 ERA) will start for Los Angeles.
