Yoán Moncada delivered a clutch RBI single in the eighth inning against his former team. José Soriano tossed seven brilliant innings as the Los Angeles Angels edged the Chicago White Sox 1-0 on Saturday.
With two outs in the eighth, Jorge Soler drew a walk and advanced to third after a wild pitch by Mike Clevinger (0-1). Catcher Matt Thaiss struggled to locate the ball, allowing Soler to take two bases. Moncada then sent a grounder back through the middle that deflected off Clevinger, resulting in an infield RBI single and the game’s only run.
Moncada spent eight seasons with the White Sox before joining the Angels in free agency this past offseason.
Soriano (1-0) was dominant in his season debut, allowing just two hits while striking out five and walking two over seven scoreless innings. The 25-year-old right-hander returned to the mound after missing the end of last season due to arm fatigue.
Ben Joyce pitched a scoreless eighth, and Kenley Jansen closed it with a clean ninth for his first save of the year — and the 448th of his career — preserving the combined two-hitter.
Angels center fielder Jo Adell exited the game in the fifth after an infield single due to left hip tightness.
Rookie Jonathan Cannon impressed for the White Sox, throwing five shutout innings while allowing four hits, walking three, and striking out five.
Key Moment
Jansen struck out Miguel Vargas and Luis Robert Jr. to start the ninth, walked Andrew Benintendi, then retired Andrew Vaughn on a grounder to short to seal the shutout.
Key Stat
Chicago was held to just two hits — singles by Benintendi and Brooks Baldwin.
Up Next
The Angels and White Sox wrap up their season-opening series Sunday. Jack Kochanowicz will start for Los Angeles, while Davis Martin will take Chicago’s mound.
