Taylor Ward's walk-off homer caps a stunning comeback as the Angels beat the White Sox 8-5 on Aug 3! Recap Ward's heroics and Neto's big day in a key win.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
You can still feel the buzz from Sunday. One swing of the bat from Taylor Ward didn't just win a game; it injected a jolt of pure electricity into this Angels team. Trailing the White Sox and down to their final outs, Ward's three-run, walk-off blast capped an incredible comeback and sent the Halos into their new week with the kind of momentum money can't buy.
'It’s a moment you dream about. I just wanted to put a good swing on it.' - Taylor Ward on his game-winning home run.
The Angels entered the later innings on Sunday down 5-0, and things looked bleak. But this team showed its fight. A homer from Zach Neto, who drove in three, helped chip away at the lead. Key hits from Nolan Schanuel and Mike Trout set the stage for the ninth-inning heroics. With two on, Taylor Ward stepped up and launched his career-high 26th home run of the season, sending the Angel Stadium crowd into a frenzy with the 8-5 victory. It was a signature win that showcased the team's resilience.
While the on-field action was dramatic, the front office was busy making adjustments. On Monday, the team outrighted left-handed pitcher José Quijada to Triple-A Salt Lake, a move aimed at managing bullpen depth. This followed a weekend shuffle that saw second baseman Christian Moore activated from the injured list, bringing a needed bat back to the lineup. To make room, Scott Kingery was optioned to Salt Lake. These moves show a clear focus on optimizing the infield and continually refining the pitching staff as the season heads into its final stretch.
The celebration from Sunday has to be short-lived, as the Angels (54-58) immediately open a pivotal four-game series against the Tampa Bay Rays (55-58) tonight. It's a matchup of two teams hovering near .500 and desperate for a late-season push. Lefty Yusei Kikuchi (4-7, 3.30 ERA) gets the ball for the Halos, looking to build on the team's momentum. The Rays have yet to name their starter, but the Angels will need their hot hitters, like Nolan Schanuel (.368 OBP) and the man of the hour, Taylor Ward (82 RBI), to stay locked in. The game gets a national spotlight on MLBN.
Carrying the energy from a walk-off win into a crucial home series is exactly what this team needed. The series against the Rays presents a perfect opportunity to prove that Sunday's comeback was more than just a single great moment—it was the start of a real run. With a re-energized lineup and a key starter on the mound, tonight is the first test. Can the Angels turn one electric win into a season-defining streak? We're about to find out.
