CHICAGO — José Soriano got his season off to a good start.
Soriano worked seven innings on just 73 pitches in the Angels’ 1-0 victory over the Chicago White Sox on Saturday afternoon.
Relievers Ben Joyce and Kenley Jansen handled the final two innings to lock up first victory of the season for the Angels (1-1). Jansen’s first save with the Angels was No. 448 of his career.
The Angels needed their pitchers to be sharp because the hitters couldn’t come up with a clutch hit until they caught a break in the eighth inning.
Jorge Soler drew a two-out walk. He went all the way to third when a wild pitch got past catcher Matt Thaiss – a former Angel – and he couldn’t immediately find the ball. Yoán Moncada – a former White Sox player who was booed throughout the game – then knocked in Soler with an infield hit. The Angels had been 0 for 5 with runners in scoring position before Moncada’s hit.
The run came just in time for Soriano to qualify for the victory.
A right-hander who established himself in his first year as a big-league starter in 2024, Soriano gave up just two hits in his 2025 debut. He walked two and struck out five.
It was his typical pitch-efficient, ground ball-heavy performance. He induced 10 groundouts among the 17 outs on balls in play. The only balls in the air were popouts.
The victory came with some concern for Jo Adell, who left the game in the fifth inning because of left hip tightness. Adell felt something while legging out an infield hit.
If he’s out for any extended period, the Angels could have an issue in center field. Their backup center fielder is Kyren Paris, who has been primarily an infielder. They prefer to keep Mike Trout in right field.
More to come on this story.