Logan O'Hoppe's grand slam leads the Angels to an 8-5 comeback win over the White Sox on Aug 4. See how the Halos won without star Mike Trout.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Just when it looked like another frustrating night was on the horizon, Logan O'Hoppe stepped to the plate and changed everything. With the Angels trailing by a run in the seventh inning, the Halos' backstop launched a towering grand slam, silencing the Chicago crowd and single-handedly flipping the script in a dramatic 8-5 victory over the White Sox.
With one swing, Logan O'Hoppe turned a 5-4 deficit into an 8-5 lead, delivering a game-winning grand slam in the seventh inning.
The game was a back-and-forth affair, but the defining moment came in the top of the seventh. Down 5-4, the Angels loaded the bases for Logan O'Hoppe, who delivered the biggest hit of the night, and perhaps one of the biggest of the season. His grand slam was the decisive blow in a game that also saw a solo shot from Jo Adell. Starter Yusei Kikuchi battled through 6.1 innings, giving up five runs (four earned) while striking out seven, doing just enough to keep his team in it. Carlos Estévez later slammed the door, earning his 23rd save of the season and securing a much-needed win.
The victory was even more impressive considering who wasn't on the field. Superstar Mike Trout was a late scratch from the lineup due to an illness that has reportedly been making its way through the clubhouse. His status remains day-to-day. The Angels' front office has been busy adjusting the roster to cope. Just yesterday, second baseman Christian Moore was activated from the injured list, providing a welcome boost to the infield and sending Scott Kingery down to Triple-A. The team also called up speedy outfielder Bryce Teodosio for depth, a move that looks even more crucial with Trout sidelined.
While Moore gets set to rejoin the starting lineup, another new face made his presence felt over the weekend. Left-handed reliever Andrew Chafin, acquired from the Nationals at the deadline, made his Angels debut. Brought in to stabilize a shaky bullpen, Chafin's veteran arm is a welcome addition. His arrival, along with Moore's return and Teodosio's call-up, represents a clear effort to patch holes and find a spark as the team navigates the final stretch of the season.
This was the kind of win that can energize a clubhouse. Despite being four games under .500 and missing their best player, the Angels fought back and found a hero in Logan O'Hoppe. The key now is to build on this momentum. With Christian Moore back in the fold and new arms in the bullpen, the team will look to string together some wins. First things first: get Trout healthy and get ready to do it all again tomorrow.
