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The Los Angeles Angels delivered a dominant offensive performance against the Houston Astros on Thursday night, securing an 18-3 victory at Daikin Park. The decisive win showcased the Angels’ explosive potential, with shortstop Zach Neto leading the charge by collecting five hits and driving in seven runs—matching a franchise record for RBIs by an Angels shortstop previously held by Freddie Patek. Neto fell just one hit short of completing the cycle, accumulating three singles, a double, and a three-run home run throughout the contest.
The Angels methodically built their lead early, starting with an RBI single from Neto in the first inning. The team added three more runs in the second to take a 4-2 advantage, then turned up the intensity significantly in the fourth inning by scoring six additional runs. A crucial sequence in the fifth inning proved especially productive, as Los Angeles capitalized on small-ball execution and timely hitting. After Wade Meckler was hit by a pitch to load the bases, Neto delivered a three-run home run that extended the Angels’ advantage to 14-2, essentially putting the game out of reach.
The offensive barrage continued into the seventh inning, when Neto added two more RBIs with a double. The Angels’ 18-run outburst marked their highest-scoring performance since 2023 and represented their most prolific offensive display against the Astros in franchise history. For the division-rival Astros, who remain in contention for the American League West title, the lopsided loss represented a significant setback during a competitive stretch of the season.
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Originally reported by Sports.yahoo →
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