Mike Trout hit a first-inning two-run homer and rookie right-hander Walbert Urena pitched five strong innings as the Los Angeles Angels defeated the Texas Rangers 5-2 on Saturday night at Angel Stadium.
The victory secured the Angels' first series win since early May, following a 9-6 win in the series opener on Friday.
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Trout's team-leading 13th home run came on a first-pitch cutter from Texas starter Nathan Eovaldi, after Zach Neto drew a leadoff walk.
"It's good," Trout said. "We had a good plan coming in, and we executed it.
Just having good at-bats, putting the ball in play. Over the last two nights, that's what we've been doing."
The early lead provided immediate run support for the pitching staff, reversing a recent stretch where opponents scored first against the Angels in 15 consecutive games.
"It changes a lot," Trout said. "The last couple weeks, we've been behind early.
So it's good to give pitchers some support and keep that lead."
Urena's Effective Pitching
Urena earned his second win of the season, throwing 93 pitches over five innings.
He allowed one run on five hits and three walks while striking out six batters.
The rookie utilized his secondary pitches effectively, registering nine of his 16 total swing-and-misses with his changeup to escape multiple scoring threats.
"After my sinker, that's the best that I have, so I have a lot of confidence in my changeup," Urena said.
