Adell, Drury Lead Angels Past Pirates with Close Victory

In a recent game between the Los Angeles Angels and the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Angels emerged victorious with a final score of 5-4. Jo Adell hit his fifth home run of the season and also contributed an RBI single. Brandon Drury also played a significant role in the victory, earning two hits and driving in three runs, including an RBI double in the sixth inning. Luis Ortiz, who replaced starter Martin Perez in the fifth inning, failed to preserve the Angels’ two-run lead, allowing a run-scoring single and a subsequent double that tied the game. The Angels regained the lead thanks to Willie Calhoun’s sacrifice fly. Oneil Cruz, the towering shortstop for the Pirates, recorded two hits and three RBIs, including a two-run double in the fifth inning. This marks Cruz’s third consecutive game with multiple hits, as he continues to work his way back from a broken left ankle suffered last year. The Pirates have now lost two straight matches, bringing their record during their current nine-game homestand to 3-3, which includes series against the Colorado Rockies and Los Angeles Angels, both of whom are struggling in their respective divisions. Pittsburgh manager Derek Shelton has confirmed that Paul Skenes, the team’s top overall draft pick in 2021, will make his debut in Triple-A Indianapolis this weekend before potentially joining the Pirates’ main roster. Rookies Jared Jones, Bailey Falter, and Mitch Keller are scheduled to take their turns in the rotation against the Chicago Cubs following Skenes’ appearance for Indianapolis. Drury departed the game in the eighth inning due to left hamstring discomfort.