Zach Plesac delivered six solid innings in a surprise spot start as the Los Angeles Angels secured a 5-3 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers on Monday night in Anaheim, Calif.
The Angels faced unexpected challenges just before game time when scheduled starter Jose Soriano was scratched due to abdominal pain. Plesac, who had joined the team earlier in the day to replace reliever Jose Suarez on the roster, stepped up on short notice. Originally slated for bullpen duty, Plesac adjusted quickly and took the mound on his regular rest from Triple-A Salt Lake
In his outing, Plesac allowed three runs on four hits and two walks while striking out one over 86 pitches. This effort earned him his first win of the season (1-0) with the Angels.
Offensively, Zach Neto led the charge with a two-run homer, his 10th of the season, while Nolan Schanuel contributed with two hits to bolster the Angels’ scoring efforts.
The Brewers initially took a 2-0 lead in the second inning against Plesac, with Jake Bauers hitting a two-run homer after Willy Adames drew a leadoff walk.
However, the Angels rallied in the third inning against Brewers starter Carlos Rodriguez (0-2). Jo Adell walked and later scored on Luis Guillorme’s triple. Schanuel followed with an RBI single to tie the game at 2-2, and Taylor Ward’s sacrifice fly gave the Angels a 3-2 lead.
Neto extended the Angels’ advantage with a two-run blast in the fourth inning, making it 5-2.
Despite a late solo homer by Brice Turang in the fifth inning, the Brewers were unable to mount a comeback as Plesac and the Angels’ bullpen held firm. Luis Garcia, Matt Moore, and Carlos Estevez each pitched a scoreless inning, with Estevez earning his 13th save of the season.
The win highlighted the Angels’ resilience and adaptability in overcoming setbacks, showcasing their depth and determination in securing the victory at home.