Jorge Soler’s Grand Slam Powers Los Angeles Angels to Victory Over Cincinnati Reds
CINCINNATI — The Los Angeles Angels snapped a seven-game losing streak at Great American Ball Park with a dominant 10-2 win over the Cincinnati Reds on Friday night, fueled by Jorge Soler’s eighth-inning grand slam. The victory marked a turning point for the Angels, who have struggled in Cincinnati for over a decade.
Soler’s decisive hit came during a five-run eighth inning, capping off a stellar night for the designated hitter. Earlier in the game, he doubled in the third inning and scored on Yoan Moncada’s infield single, giving the Angels an early 2-0 lead.
The Angels’ offense was firing on all cylinders, with Zach Neto and Josh Lowe also contributing home runs. Neto’s fifth homer of the season extended the lead to 4-0, while Lowe, who entered the game batting just .091, crushed a solo shot over the left-field wall in the sixth inning for a 5-1 advantage.
On the mound, rookie pitcher Jack Kochanowicz delivered a standout performance, allowing just one run and two hits over seven innings. The 22-year-old right-hander improved to 2-0 on the season, showcasing his potential as a reliable starter for the Angels.
For the Reds, pitcher Chase Burns had a night to forget. The right-hander gave up five earned runs, seven hits, and four walks over 5 1/3 innings, dropping his record to 1-1. Cincinnati’s offense struggled to find its rhythm, managing only two hits through the first six innings.
Eugenio Suárez provided Cincinnati’s first hit in the fourth inning and added a single in the sixth. Elly De La Cruz brought some late excitement for Reds fans with a solo home run in the ninth, his fourth of the season. However, it was too little, too late for Cincinnati, which fell to 7-7 on the year.
The Angels’ win was especially significant given their recent history in Cincinnati. Their last victory at Great American Ball Park came on April 1, 2013, during MLB’s first interleague Opening Day game. With Friday’s win, Los Angeles improved to .500 or better after 14 games for the sixth consecutive season, eighth out of the last nine.
Looking ahead, the Angels will send rookie right-hander George Klassen to the mound on Saturday. Klassen, who made his major league debut on April 5, is still seeking his first win. He’ll face Cincinnati’s Brandon Williamson, who secured his first major league victory on April 6.
Friday night’s game was a statement win for the Angels, who showed resilience and offensive firepower after a rough start to the season. Soler’s grand slam not only broke the game open but also served as a reminder of his ability to deliver in clutch moments. As the Angels look to build on this momentum, Cincinnati will aim to regroup and bounce back in the next matchup of the series.
— Reported by Nexio News
