KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Ben Joyce earned his first major league win in his debut start, and Jo Adell hit a two-run homer as the Los Angeles Angels defeated the Kansas City Royals 5-1 on Tuesday, September 3, 2025. The Angels’ victory showcased promising young talent and extended their late-season push, while the Royals continued to struggle.
The Angels’ win is critically important as it highlights the development of their pitching prospects and the offensive contributions of key players like Adell. This game offered a glimpse into the future for both franchises, with the Angels aiming to build momentum and the Royals evaluating their roster for the upcoming season.
Joyce pitched effectively, taking a two-hit shutout into the sixth inning before Adell’s decisive home run. The 454-foot blast to left field broke a tie and propelled the Angels to victory.
Kansas City managed to score a single run in the third inning when Bobby Witt Jr. tripled and scored on Vinnie Pasquantino’s sacrifice fly. However, the royals’ offense was largely stifled by Joyce and the Angels’ bullpen.
The Angels extended their lead in the seventh inning when Luis Peraza doubled home a run, followed by a run scoring on a wild pitch.
Notably, Joyce became the fourth Angels pitcher to debut as a starter in Kansas City, joining Frank Tanana (1973), Jarrod Washburn (1998), and Seth Etherton (2000).
Looking ahead, the Royals will start Ryan Bergert (2-1, 2.67 ERA) on Wednesday night, while the Angels will counter with Caden Dana (0-0, 7.50 ERA).
