Angels Fall Short as Pirates Deliver Sharp Performance

Intensity of the game captured as Angels face Pirates at Angel Stadium.

News Summary

The Los Angeles Angels faced a tough defeat against the Pittsburgh Pirates, losing 3-0 at Angel Stadium. Andrew Heaney’s stellar pitching performance led the Pirates to victory, while the Angels struggled offensively, managing only two hits. Despite Travis d’Arnaud’s double, the Angels couldn’t capitalize against a strong Pirates’ defense. Notably, Oneil Cruz hit a remarkable 463-foot home run in the game. Frustrations are growing for the Angels as they grapple with challenges, and the Pirates celebrate their first road series win of the season.

Angels Fall Short as Pirates Deliver Sharp Performance

In a sunny day in Anaheim, California, the Pittsburgh Pirates rolled into town and made a splash, defeating the Los Angeles Angels with a resounding score of 3-0. The game unfolded at the iconic Angel Stadium on April 23, 2025, marking another tough outing for the Angels.

Heaney’s Dominance Steals the Show

All eyes were on Pirates’ pitcher Andrew Heaney, who delivered a gem of a performance on the mound. Heaney, who’s carved out quite the story since being traded from the Angels, showed he meant business by retiring the first 13 batters he faced. With intensity in his eyes, he struck out an impressive nine batters during his six innings of work. Heaney only allowed a single hit and did not walk anyone, securing his first win at Angel Stadium in a strong way. His performance not only brought joy to his teammates but also showcased his growth as a pitcher.

Angels’ Offensive Struggles Continue

Despite hopes for a turnaround at home, the Angels struggled offensively, managing just two hits throughout the game. The first hint of life came from Travis d’Arnaud, who fired up the crowd with a one-out double in the fifth inning that gave the Angels a glimmer of hope.

However, the Pirates wasted no time in putting points on the board. It all started when Bryan Reynolds launched a fly ball to right field, successfully driving in the game’s first run. Then came a moment the crowd won’t soon forget—Oneil Cruz crushed a remarkable 463-foot home run in the fifth inning, which tallies as the fourth longest home run hit in MLB this season. Cruz’s sixth homer of the season, alongside 12 RBIs, left fans buzzing with excitement, as he continues to show why he’s a player to watch.

Angels’ Lament and Double Plays

As the game wound down, the Angels tried to rally but only managed to get their second hit in the ninth inning. The team’s star, Mike Trout, had a tough day at the plate, striking out three times and finishing the game with a disappointing 0-for-3 performance as the Angels faced their seventh loss in their last nine games. The pressure is mounting, and frustrations are palpable as the team feels the weight of ongoing challenges.

The Angels did, however, display some defensive prowess by executing three double plays throughout the matchup. This achievement continues to position them as the leaders in the MLB with an impressive 27 double plays this season, showing their ability to thwart their opponents’ advances.

Game Wrap-Up and Scheduling Frustrations

In terms of pitching on the other side, the Angels’ starter, Jack Kochanowicz, encountered his share of struggles as well. Over six innings, he surrendered eight hits and two earned runs, showing that he still has room for improvement in tough matchups.

Adding to the day’s drama, Pirates’ Tommy Pham contributed to the final score with an insurance run via a single in the ninth, following Adam Frazier’s lead-off single. This performance underscored a well-rounded effort from the Pirates, sealing their victory and marking a significant moment as their first road series win of the season.

Aside from the baseball action, both teams faced concerns related to scheduling. Players like Trout and Kenley Jansen voiced frustrations regarding the late game start times, which have become prevalent in their travel itineraries. The lingering effects of a late getaway game, especially while traveling two time zones east, have drawn criticism in the past and continue to be a point of contention for the Angels.

Heaney, wearing number 45 in memory of his late friend Tyler Skaggs, delivered an emotionally charged performance that fans will remember. The Pirates leave Anaheim on a high note, having showcased their skills impressively, while the Angels are left to strategize for a brighter path ahead.