Jo Adell’s Breakout Season Hits New Heights With…read more.
The Los Angeles Angels pulled off a late rally to edge the Kansas City Royals, 4-3, on Wednesday night, with Jo Adell once again playing the role of difference-maker in what has become the best season of his young career.
The turning point came in the eighth inning. Yoán Moncada, who had earlier reached on a single during Adell’s big swing, doubled off Royals reliever Lucas Erceg (6-4) to put himself in scoring position. With two outs, Adell stepped to the plate and delivered once more, lining a clutch single that plated Moncada and pushed the Angels in front 4-3. The RBI capped off a night that showcased why Adell has emerged as a central figure in the Angels’ offense. His numbers continue to rise, as he now sits at career highs with 33 home runs and 90 RBIs a sign of the consistency and power the Angels have long hoped to see.
Reid Detmers was entrusted with the ninth inning and answered the call with authority. The left-hander struck out two batters and recorded his third save of the year, slamming the door on Kansas City’s comeback hopes.
The win came despite the absence of franchise cornerstone Mike Trout, who has been dealing with an unusual setback. Trout was scratched from the lineup on Tuesday night due to a skin infection on his left arm, and he remained sidelined again. While his absence is always a blow to the Angels’ lineup, Adell’s surge and timely hitting from Moncada helped keep the team moving forward.
For the Royals, veteran catcher Salvador Perez continued to build on what has already been an accomplished career. In the seventh inning, Perez ripped a one-out double against Angels reliever Robert Stephenson (1-0), marking his 33rd double of the season. The hit was more than just another box score note it was the 625th extra-base hit of Perez’s career, tying him with franchise great Frank White for third place on Kansas City’s all-time list. The crowd acknowledged the achievement, and Perez tipped his helmet, appreciating yet another milestone in a decorated tenure with the Royals.
Perez’s double set the stage for Adam Frazier, who followed with a game-tying double of his own. For a brief moment, Kansas City had momentum on its side, erasing what had been a narrow Angels’ advantage and making it a 3-3 ballgame. But Moncada and Adell made sure the Royals’ rally didn’t hold.
Stephenson earned the win in relief, improving to 1-0, while Erceg was tagged with the loss after surrendering the decisive run in the eighth.
For the Angels, the victory was about more than just the box score. It was another reminder of the changing dynamic in their lineup. While Trout’s health remains a concern, Adell’s steady production and Moncada’s timely hitting suggest that the team has weapons capable of carrying them through.
As the season heads toward its final stretch, performances like these will determine whether the Angels can stay competitive and whether Adell’s breakout year can be the spark for something bigger.
