José Ramírez put on a show Friday night, launching three home runs to lead the Cleveland Guardians to an 8-6 win over the Los Angeles Angels and snap a three-game losing streak.
Ramírez opened Cleveland’s scoring with a solo shot in the first inning, added a two-run homer in the fifth, and capped his night with another solo blast in the ninth, marking the second three-homer game of his career. He now shares the franchise record for multi-homer games (26) with legends Albert Belle and Jim Thome.
Brayan Rocchio chipped in with three RBIs as Cleveland kicked off the final leg of a nine-game road trip by spoiling the Angels’ home opener.
Mike Trout provided an early highlight for Los Angeles, launching a 98-mph fastball to center in his first at-bat at Angel Stadium since April 2024. But despite homers from Trout and Logan O’Hoppe, who battled through an 11-pitch at-bat in the ninth, the Angels dropped their fourth straight home opener.
Jo Adell knocked in three runs for the Halos, including a two-run single in the third that helped them briefly tie the game.
Injuries also struck the Angels. Luis Rengifo and Ryan Zeferjahn exited with hamstring issues, while third baseman Yoán Moncada left due to thumb irritation.
Tim Herrin (1-0) earned the win after escaping a sixth-inning jam, and Emmanuel Clase held on through a shaky ninth for his fourth save. José Soriano (1-1) struck out nine but was tagged for five runs over five innings.
Key Moment
The Guardians reclaimed the lead in the sixth inning after drawing three walks from three Angels pitchers. Rocchio hit a routine grounder with two outs that snuck past Moncada, allowing the go-ahead run to score.
Key Stat
Ramírez scored the 900th run of his career with his first homer of the night, becoming just the seventh player in Guardians history to reach that mark.
Up Next
Angels right-hander Jack Kochanowicz gets the start Saturday against Cleveland’s Tanner Bibee, a native of Orange County and former Cal State Fullerton standout.
