Chapman Sets Relief Whiff Mark in Angels’ Loss

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, July 5, 2026

Aroldis Chapman set a new MLB record for career relief strikeouts with his 1,364th during the Boston Red Sox's 5-2 win over the Los Angeles Angels. The victory improved the Red Sox’s form to six wins in their last eight games while Angels star Mike Trout is nearing a return from injury, aiming for a start in the upcoming All-Star Game.

Aroldis Chapman set a new Major League Baseball record for career relief strikeouts as the Boston Red Sox defeated the Los Angeles Angels 5-2 on Friday night. The 38-year-old right-hander recorded his 1,364th strikeout as a reliever by fanning Denzer Guzmán to start the ninth inning, surpassing Hoyt Wilhelm’s longstanding mark. Chapman then allowed two singles but secured the save by inducing a double play from Jo Adell, marking his 17th save of the season.

The victory came behind strong pitching from rookie starter Jake Bennett, who delivered six strikeouts with no walks across seven-plus innings. Bennett, now with a 3-3 record, limited the Angels to five hits while striking out 22 of their first 24 batters faced. He retired the first 13 Angels following a hit by Vaughn Grissom in the fifth inning before surrendering a two-run homer to Jose Siri and an RBI single to Zach Neto in the eighth, which ended his outing.

The Red Sox, who are on the first game of a nine-game road trip, improved to six wins in their last eight games. Caleb Durbin and Romy González were key offensive contributors, with Durbin hitting a solo home run in the fifth inning to extend Boston’s lead. González finished with three hits and two RBIs.

For the Angels, Reid Detmers (3-6) took the loss after allowing five runs on seven hits with three walks over five innings. The defeat marked Los Angeles’ fourth consecutive loss and left them at the bottom of the American League West standings.

During the game, Angels catcher Logan O’Hoppe left temporarily after being struck in the mask by a foul ball. O’Hoppe, who has a history of concussion issues dating back to last September, was evaluated but returned to the game.

In related news, Angels star outfielder Mike Trout is optimistic about returning from a right hamstring strain sustained on June 17. Trout resumed his usual pregame routine on Friday and expects to take batting practice over the weekend. Manager Kurt Suzuki expressed confidence in Trout’s progress, saying the outfielder “looks good” and is “really, really close” to returning.

Trout, a three-time American League MVP and two-time All-Star Game Most Valuable Player, is expected to be selected as a starter for the upcoming All-Star Game in Philadelphia on July 14. The 34-year-old has not played in the midsummer classic since 2019 due to injuries and missed the All-Star selection last season. The game will hold special significance for Trout, who grew up approximately 40 miles from Philadelphia in Millville, New Jersey.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.