Yusei Kikuchi's 12 strikeouts lead the Angels to a 5-2 win over the Red Sox on June 26, 2025, completing a sweep and reaching a .500 record for the season.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
For the first time since late May, the Los Angeles Angels are looking at a .500 record. A gritty 5-2 victory over the Boston Red Sox on Thursday afternoon didn't just complete a statement three-game sweep; it marked the 80-game checkpoint of the season with a 40-40 record and a team that is, against all odds, firmly in the playoff hunt. The architect of today's win was none other than Yusei Kikuchi, who delivered the most dominant start by an Angel all season.
Obviously it's been up and down to this point, but here we are at .500. Hopefully we can keep it going. We're halfway through and hopefully we can take that next step.
Yusei Kikuchi was simply electric. In his best start as an Angel, the lefty carved up the Red Sox lineup for seven masterful innings, allowing just two runs while striking out a season-high 12 batters. He was in complete control, mixing his pitches and challenging hitters all afternoon. It was the kind of ace-like performance this team has been dreaming of, providing length, limiting damage, and setting the tone for the entire game. The offense, sparked by key hits from Jo Adell and Taylor Ward, provided just enough run support to let Kikuchi work his magic.
Let's be honest, the path to 40-40 has been anything but smooth. This team has battled, and their recent surge is a testament to their resilience. The Halos have now won seven of their last ten and have posted a 14-9 record in the month of June. The most telling statistic? Since May 15, the Angels are 23-15 with a plus-21 run differential. This isn't just a lucky streak; it's a fundamental shift in how this team is playing baseball. They're finding ways to win close games, and suddenly, a wild-card spot is just 1.5 games away.
You can't talk about this turnaround without tipping your cap to Manager Ron Washington. After a 99-loss season last year, Wash has instilled a new sense of belief and accountability in the clubhouse. His steady hand is evident everywhere, especially in the bullpen's marked improvement. Once a liability, the pen is now a strength, with arms like Ryan Zeferjahn stepping into high-leverage roles and shutting the door. Zeferjahn's second save of the series was the perfect exclamation point on a sweep built on pitching and timely hitting—the very definition of Wash's brand of baseball.
Half a season down, half a season to go. The Angels are at a crossroads, but for the first time in a long time, the path forward looks bright. They've proven they can hang with the league's best and have clawed their way back into the postseason conversation. The challenge now is to build on this momentum and prove that this isn't just a midseason surge, but the start of a genuine playoff push. The next 82 games just got a whole lot more interesting.
