Taylor Ward's two homers led the Angels to an 8-2 win over the Nationals on June 29, 2025. With a strong start from Kochanowicz, the Halos are back to .500.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
For the first time in what feels like an eternity, the Los Angeles Angels are a .500 ballclub. A dominant 8-2 victory over the Washington Nationals on Sunday at the Big A pushed their record to 41-41, and it felt like more than just a win. It was a statement, powered by a colossal performance from Taylor Ward and a gritty start from Jack Kochanowicz, that this team is not going away quietly.
'We're playing good baseball right now. The guys are feeding off each other, and that's what you want to see as we head into July.' - Manager Ron Washington
If you needed one player to summarize the Angels' recent surge, look no further than Taylor Ward. The outfielder was simply unstoppable on Sunday, going 3-for-4 with two massive home runs and five RBIs. He single-handedly tied the game with a solo shot in the third and then blew it wide open with a three-run bomb in the fifth. Ward now has a career-high 22 homers and 60 RBIs on the season, leading the team in both categories and making a strong case for an All-Star nod. The Angels' social media team captured it perfectly: 'Taylor Ward is on fire!'
While Ward provided the fireworks, Jack Kochanowicz provided the foundation. The right-hander battled through six strong innings, allowing just two runs while striking out seven to earn his fourth win. After a shaky start, he settled in to retire 10 of the last 12 batters he faced, giving the team the quality start it needed. Following him, the bullpen was lights-out. The trio of Jose Soriano, Matt Moore, and Carlos Estevez combined for three scoreless innings, continuing their torrid month. The Angels' bullpen now boasts a stellar 3.12 ERA in June, a critical component of their recent success.
Climbing back to .500 is a significant psychological milestone. This team has scratched and clawed its way here, winning 15 of its last 24 games. They're now just 1.5 games out of a Wild Card spot. It's a full team effort, from Nolan Schanuel's two-run double in the decisive fifth inning to Jo Adell's spectacular diving catch in right field. The clubhouse vibe, reflected in Adell's 'Keep climbing' post, is electric. Manager Ron Washington praised the team's resilience, and with Mike Trout and Anthony Rendon healthy and a stable roster, the Halos have found a winning formula.
The good news isn't just confined to the big league club. Down on the farm, the Triple-A Salt Lake Bees also notched a win Sunday. Top catching prospect Edgar Quero smashed his 12th home run of the season, while speedy outfielder Nelson Rada collected two hits and a stolen base. A winning culture is brewing throughout the organization, providing both immediate excitement and hope for a sustained run of success.
The Angels head into July with momentum, confidence, and a .500 record. The dog days of summer are here, and the games only get bigger from this point on. Can they sustain this level of play and turn a hopeful June into a season-defining July? If the energy from Sunday's win is any indication, this team is ready for the challenge. Buckle up, Halo fans. The climb is just getting started.
