Angels Edge Rays 4-3 in Thrilling Ninth-Inning Finish

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — The Los Angeles Angels narrowly defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 4-3 on Friday night, thanks in part to a two-run triple from Trey Mancini and a stellar performance from rookie pitcher Sam Aldegheri. In a tense ninth inning, Ryan Zeferjahn struck out Cedric Mullins with the bases loaded to secure the win, marking the Angels' third consecutive victory.

Aldegheri (2-1) had a solid outing, giving up two runs—one earned—on three hits while walking three batters over five innings. Mike Trout and Jo Adell started the game strong for the Angels, hitting back-to-back singles off Rays starter Shane McClanahan (6-4) in the first inning, setting up Mancini’s two-out triple that put the Angels ahead 2-0.

The Angels extended their lead to 4-0 in the third inning, as Oswald Peraza opened with a double and Nick Madrigal brought him home with a two-out single. Madrigal then stole second and scored on Logan O'Hoppe's single. Aldegheri encountered trouble in the fifth, allowing the bases to be loaded with no outs. Although he struck out Yandy Díaz, Jonathan Aranda's single brought in two runs to narrow the gap to 4-2. A double play ended the threat.

Simpson made a crucial defensive play in the eighth, robbing Adell of a home run to keep the Rays close. Aranda's subsequent two-out single off Mitch Farris cut the Angels' lead to 4-3, setting the stage for Zeferjahn's dramatic strikeout to end the game. McClanahan allowed four runs and struck out seven in his four-inning stint, while Mason Englert pitched four scoreless innings for the Rays.

In a special moment prior to the game, U.S. Navy Captain and NASA Artemis II astronaut Victor Glover threw out the ceremonial first pitch to Mike Trout. Tomorrow, the two teams will face off again, with Rays pitcher Griffin Jax (1-4, 4.15) starting against Angels pitcher José Soriano (7-4, 2.96).