Angels Snap Losing Streak with Win Over Nationals
- The Los Angeles Angels defeated the Washington Nationals 6-4 on Sunday.
- Rookie Jack Kochanowicz pitched 7 2/3 innings to secure his first major league win.
- Kevin Pillar contributed with a crucial three-run double during the game.
In a decisive 6-4 victory on Sunday, the Los Angeles Angels halted a potential three-game series sweep by the Washington Nationals, marking their first visit to the nation's capital since 2017. Jack Kochanowicz, making his third career start, pitched 7 2/3 innings to secure his first major league win, showcasing a significant improvement from his previous outings. The Angels concluded their road trip with a balanced 3-3 record, having started in New York against the Yankees. The Nationals struggled with control, issuing 13 walks, which tied their franchise record since relocating to Washington in 2005. The Angels capitalized on these opportunities, converting four walks into runs, which ultimately denied the Nationals their fourth series sweep of the season. Kochanowicz, recalled from Double-A Rocket City, retired the first eight batters he faced and allowed only two runs on six hits, striking out two. In a pivotal moment, Kevin Pillar delivered a three-run double in the fourth inning, extending the Angels' lead to 5-0. The Nationals' José Tena left the game after an injury sustained while fielding a grounder, which contributed to the Angels' scoring. Despite a late rally in the ninth inning, where the Nationals scored twice, Ben Joyce managed to secure the win by inducing a game-ending double play. Looking ahead, the Angels will start a three-game series against Toronto on Monday, while the Nationals will have a day off before facing the Baltimore Orioles on Tuesday.