White Sox Dominate Angels in Season Opener, 8-1
The Los Angeles Angels fell 8-1 to the Chicago White Sox on Opening Day, marking their 11th season-opening loss in the past 12 years.
Yusei Kikuchi made his Angels debut, pitching six innings of three-run ball after signing a $63 million contract in the offseason. Despite Logan O’Hoppe’s ninth-inning home run, the Angels’ offense struggled, while Ryan Johnson had a rough debut on the mound. Nicky Lopez was called on to record the final out of the eighth inning.
In his managerial debut, Will Venable guided the White Sox to victory, with Sean Burke tossing six strong innings. Andrew Benintendi, Lenyn Sosa, and Austin Slater each homered as Chicago kicked off the season with a statement win after a 41-121 campaign last year.
Burke Shines as White Sox Shut Down Angels
Sean Burke (1-0) delivered a stellar performance, allowing just three hits over six scoreless innings while striking out three and issuing no walks. The White Sox bullpen—Penn Murfee, Jordan Leasure, and Mike Clevinger—kept the Angels off the board through three more innings before Cam Booser surrendered a ninth-inning home run to Logan O’Hoppe.
After a rough MLB debut for Ryan Johnson, the Angels turned to infielder Nicky Lopez, who recorded the final out of the eighth in his first game with Los Angeles.
Key Moment:
With Chicago leading 3-0 in the eighth, Clevinger entered with runners on the corners and two outs. He walked Mike Trout but then struck out Jorge Soler, preserving the lead.
Key Stat:
Yusei Kikuchi is part of a historic trio, as one of three Japanese-born pitchers to start on Opening Day, alongside Yoshinobu Yamamoto (Dodgers) and Shota Imanaga (Cubs)—a first in MLB history.
Up Next:
Following an off day, José Soriano (Angels) and Jonathan Cannon (White Sox) take the mound Saturday. Soriano, who posted a 3.42 ERA in 20 starts last season, will face Cannon, who finished his rookie year with a 4.49 ERA over 124 1/3 innings.
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