PITTSBURGH (AP) — In a standout performance, Yusei Kikuchi pitched six scoreless innings, guiding the Los Angeles Angels to a convincing 6-1 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday night. This win marked Kikuchi's first of the season, improving his record to 1-5.
Kikuchi, who has been recovering from left shoulder inflammation that sidelined him since late April, allowed five hits and three walks while striking out six batters. This outing was particularly significant for the 35-year-old, as it was his first win since September 24, 2025, when he last took the mound for the Angels against the Kansas City Royals.
The Pirates started Braxton Ashcraft on the mound, who despite striking out nine batters, surrendered three runs on seven hits over five innings. Ashcraft began strong, allowing only one hit through the first 3 1/3 innings before the Angels broke through in the fourth. Wade Meckler initiated the scoring with a double into shallow left field, followed by a sharp single from Moisés Ballesteros that brought Meckler home.
In the fifth inning, the Angels extended their lead when Josh Lowe launched a 410-foot home run to center field, marking his 11th of the season. Denzer Guzman contributed with a single, advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Adam Frazier, and then scored on Zach Neto's first of three singles, pushing the score to 3-0.
The Pirates attempted to rally in the sixth inning as Esmerlyn Valdez walked and Bryan Reynolds singled. However, Kikuchi showcased his dominance by striking out Oneil Cruz and forcing Nick Gonzales into a force out before ending the inning with a flyout from Rafael Flores Jr.
The Angels added three more runs in the seventh inning, with Mike Trout hitting an RBI single and Meckler doubling to right-center, bringing in two additional runs. This offensive surge solidified their lead and showcased the team's depth and resilience.
Pittsburgh managed to score their only run in the eighth inning when Reynolds hit a two-out home run, his 16th of the season, sending the ball 421 feet over the right-field wall. This was Reynolds' first home run since July 28, providing a brief moment of excitement for the home crowd.
As the series continues, the Pirates are set to send right-hander Paul Skenes (9-11, 3.97 ERA) to the mound for the finale against Angels right-hander Walbert Ureña (9-9, 2.85). With both teams looking to gain momentum, the final game promises to be an exciting conclusion to the series.
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