A career night for starting pitcher Reid Detmers fueled the Los Angeles Angels’ first series sweep of the 2026 season against the Texas Rangers on Sunday night.
In his 11th start of the season, Detmers struck out a career-high 14 batters across eight innings. He only gave up one run off a home run from first baseman Jake Burger in the second inning.
Detmers’ 14 strikeouts were the most by an Angels player since Andrew Heaney also struck out 14 Rangers batters on Aug. 20, 2019. Additionally, Detmers tied Seattle Mariners’ pitcher Emerson Hancock for the most strikeouts in an MLB game this season.
May 24, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Los Angeles Angels pitcher Reid Detmers (48) delivers during the first inning against the Texas Rangers at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Liang-Imagn Images
“It was pretty awesome,” Angels manager Kurt Suzuki, per MLB. “Just vintage. Attacking the zone, putting away sliders, landing curveballs whenever he needed to for strikes and he had some good life on his fastball today.”
Detmers has thrown a no-hitter once in his career as a rookie in 2022 against the Tampa Bay Rays. Although Sunday’s start was not a no-hitter, Detmers believes the outing was the best of his career.
“I mean, a no-hitter is a no-hitter,” Detmers said, per MLB. “But I would say stuff-wise, this is probably the best game. But nothing’s going to beat a no-hitter.”
Oswald Peraza Walks it Off
To cap off a standout performance by Detmers, third baseman Oswald Peraza walked it off for the Angels in the ninth inning to secure a series sweep over the Rangers.
The series victory marked the first time the Angels have swept the Rangers since 2022. It also helped the Halos finish their 10-game homestand on a high note after getting swept by the Los Angeles Dodgers and losing three of four games against the Athletics.
“Definitely nice, feels good,” Suzuki said, per MLB. “To our guys’ credit, they battled this series. They had a lot of energy and they played together. They did a lot of good things to help the team win and it was fun to be a part of.”
The Angels will be on the road for their next series against the Detroit Tigers that begins on Tuesday.
Photo Credit: William Liang-Imagn Images