Angels Win 7-6 Over Rays as Drury's Three-Hit Performance Shines

The Los Angeles Angels won a close game against the Tampa Bay Rays in the first game of a split doubleheader. Brandon Drury hit a home run in the fifth inning to secure the victory.

In a thrilling split doubleheader, the Los Angeles Angels emerged victorious with a narrow 7-6 win over the Tampa Bay Rays. Brandon Drury was the standout player of the game, delivering an impressive performance with three hits, including his 16th home run in the fifth inning. This win comes as a much-needed boost for the struggling Angels, who have only managed to secure victory in five of their 17 August games.

Randal Grichuk also played a crucial role in the Angels' success, driving in two runs and making a remarkable leaping catch at the wall in the second inning to deny Yandy Diaz a home run. On the Rays' side, Josh Lowe had an outstanding performance with three hits and a homer, while René Pinto and Jonathan Aranda both hit their first home runs of the season.

Drury, who broke out of a 0-for-20 slump the previous night, kickstarted the Angels' momentum in the fifth inning with a powerful home run to right-center field. This marked only his second home run since July 1. The Angels' pitcher, Griffin Canning, secured the win, and Reynaldo Lopez closed the game with a scoreless ninth inning to earn his sixth save of the season.

The game remained tightly contested, with the score tied at 2 before the Angels surged ahead with four runs in the third inning. The Rays contributed to their own downfall with an error, a passed ball, and a wild pitch. Tampa Bay first baseman Aranda's fielding error allowed Mike Moustakas to reach base and load the bases. Nolan Schanuel then scored on a passed ball by Pinto. Matt Thaiss followed with an RBI base hit, and Moustakas scored on a wild pitch by Rays starter Tyler Glasnow. Grichuk's RBI double to left-center extended the Angels' lead to 6-2.

However, the Rays fought back, scoring three runs in the third inning with Lowe's solo home run and a two-run drive to center by Pinto. Drury's home run in the fifth inning seemed to secure the Angels' victory, but Aranda's impressive 430-foot home run in the sixth inning brought the Rays within one run.

Looking ahead, the Rays will return home and enjoy two days off before facing the Colorado Rockies in a three-game series starting on Tuesday. The Angels, on the other hand, are scheduled to begin a series against the Cincinnati Reds on Monday.

In terms of injuries, the Angels' star player, Mike Trout, who has been sidelined with a left hamate fracture, showed promising signs of recovery as he took swings in the indoor batting cages before the game. Manager Phil Nevin revealed that Trout is very close to returning, but remained cautious about his potential activation on Monday.

Overall, this split doubleheader showcased the competitive spirit and resilience of both teams. The Angels' hard-fought victory will undoubtedly boost their morale as they continue their season.