Mar 19, 2022; Mesa, Arizona, USA; San Diego Padres second baseman C.J. Abrams (87) jogs back to firstbase against the Chicago Cubs in the second inning during spring training at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports
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The Angels have the worst home record in the Majors this year, and had the unenviable task of hosting the American League-leading Yankees on Tuesday.
But they still pulled off a late shocker, keyed by a two-run double from Taylor Ward with two outs in the eighth inning in a 4-3 win at Angel Stadium. Ward connected on a first-pitch fastball from Yankees closer Clay Holmes for a double over the head of Alex Verdugo in left field.
The Angels had lost three straight heading into the series after being swept by the Guardians, but picked up their fourth straight victory over New York going back to last season, as they also swept the Yankees at Angel Stadium last year.
Ward has been one of the club’s hottest hitters recently, so it was only fitting he came through in a clutch moment. Willie Calhoun started the rally with a single off reliever Luke Weaver, but it appeared the Yankees were getting out of the inning after Luis Rengifo hit a grounder to first base. A fielding error from Anthony Rizzo extended the inning, and Ward made the Yankees pay on Holmes’ first offering.
It was quite the surprise comeback for the Angels, who hadn’t scored since the first inning on a two-run homer from a red-hot Kevin Pillar. But the offense cooled off after the opening frame until Ward’s heroics in the eighth.