Yusei Kikuchi's 12-K gem leads the Angels to a 5-2 win and a sweep of the Red Sox on June 26, 2025. See how the Halos fought back to reach .500.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
For the first time since May 23, the Los Angeles Angels are looking at a .500 record. After a gritty 5-2 victory over the Boston Red Sox on Thursday, the Halos completed a statement-making three-game sweep, fueled by a historic performance from Yusei Kikuchi on the mound. It wasn't just a win; it was an announcement that this team is back in the fight.
Yusei Kikuchi's 12 strikeouts were the most by an Angel in a single game this season, putting him in elite company and signaling a potential turning point for the rotation.
What a night for Yusei Kikuchi. After a shaky first inning where a Scott Kingery error led to two unearned runs, Kikuchi became virtually unhittable. He finished with a season-best 12 strikeouts over seven masterful innings, allowing just two hits and one walk. He induced an incredible 20 swinging strikes, retiring the Red Sox in order in the fourth, sixth, and seventh innings. The two runs on the board were a mirage; Kikuchi was in complete control, delivering the kind of ace-like performance this team desperately needed and earning widespread praise from Japanese media and fans back home.
While Kikuchi was dealing, the offense needed to answer, and they did it with the long ball. Trailing 2-0, Jo Adell ignited the comeback with a solo blast in the fourth inning. Moments later, Travis d’Arnaud followed with a game-tying homer of his own. The duo wasn't done, as both Adell and d’Arnaud added crucial RBI singles later in the game to provide the winning margin. Even Mike Trout got in on the action, driving in a run with a single in the sixth. It was a complete team effort at the plate, with the power bats leading the charge.
Let's be clear: 40-40 isn't the end goal, but it's a massive psychological hurdle cleared. For over a month, the Angels have been fighting to get back to this point. To achieve it by sweeping a quality opponent like the Red Sox speaks volumes about the team's resilience. With Ryan Zeferjahn locking down his second save with two scoreless innings, the bullpen also did its part. This series provided a blueprint for success: dominant starting pitching, timely hitting, and solid relief work. The clubhouse has to be buzzing with newfound confidence.
The Angels have clawed their way back to even ground. The sweep of Boston was more than just three wins; it was a display of their potential. The challenge now is to build on this momentum and turn a .500 record into a winning one. With the team clicking on all cylinders, the next series will be a crucial test to see if this surge is the start of a real climb in the AL West standings. The fight is on.
