Trout's homer backs Meyer's gem in Halos' win
ANAHEIM -- Michael Trout tallied two RBIs, including a solo home run in the first inning, and Alex Meyer produced his best outing as a Halo to vault the Angels to a 4-1 win over Detroit on Sunday at Angel Stadium.Trout blasted his third homer in as many games, helping
ANAHEIM --
Trout blasted his third homer in as many games, helping the Angels secure a series split. The reigning American League MVP also accounted for two steals on the day, joining
"Trouty's home run was big for us to answer back in the bottom of the first," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said.
Meyer outdueled
"It was a good stepping stone today," Meyer said. "Hopefully, [I can] build off of it and continue to get better."
"The whole thing you'd like to see in the game plan, he accomplished," said Scioscia, who added that Meyer's stuff was electric.
Verlander wasn't as sharp, relinquishing four earned runs on five hits and five walks in six-plus innings. The 34-year-old gave up two home runs, including a go-ahead solo shot to Angels second baseman Danny Espinosa in the fourth inning.
"I have to cut down on walks, that's the main thing," Verlander said. "I have to find a consistent release point. I looked at some video after I came out, and think I found something that'll help that. But I still gotta do a better job."
Shortstop
MOMENTS THAT MATTERED
Look, Ma, I can hit!: Espinosa crushed a Verlander fastball 433 feet for his fourth home run to give the Angels a 2-1 lead in the bottom of the fourth. The blast marked the second baseman's first homer since April 13 against Texas, and left the park with a projected exit velocity of 110 mph, according to Statcast™. Espinosa had broken out of a franchise-worst 0-for-36 streak on Saturday night.
Leaving them stranded:
THIS ONE'S FOR YOU, MOM
Meyer, who hails from Greensburg, Ind., didn't have his mother or any other relatives in attendance for Sunday's win, but he did say he received a flood of text messages from family congratulating him on the win.
"They were all watching. I had text messages from all my aunts, saying, 'Congratulations! Your mom's happy.'
"It was pretty cool to be able to throw and have the pink jersey, the pink cleats and everything on. It was special. I know she's definitely happy."
Players and coaches across MLB wore pink gear and used pink bats on Sunday to honor Mother's Day and raise awareness for breast cancer research.
SOUND SMART WITH YOUR FRIENDS
Trout is now 2-for-16 with five strikeouts when facing Verlander. Each of his two hits off the 2011 AL Cy Young Award winner have each been solo home runs.
WHAT'S NEXT
Tigers: The Tigers have on off-day Monday to recover from their nine-game West Coast swing. They start a three-game set at home against Baltimore on Tuesday, when Matthew Boyd will toe the rubber on five days' rest. Boyd has recorded three consecutive quality starts and has a 3.96 ERA in four games since his last victory on April 16. First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. ET.
Angels: Right-hander
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Kaelen Jones is a reporter for MLB.com based in Los Angeles. He covered the Angels on Sunday.
Will Laws is a contributor to MLB.com based in Los Angeles. He covered the Tigers on Sunday.