After a brief stint on the sidelines due to a bruised left knee, Mike Trout is back, and he’s picking up right where he left off. In a thrilling showcase at Fenway Park, Trout powered the Los Angeles Angels to a 7-6 victory over the Boston Red Sox with three hits, including a jaw-dropping 454-foot homer—the longest blast of the season at this historic venue.
When it comes to Trout’s return, Angels manager Ron Washington summed it up perfectly: “Anybody that knows Mike Trout shouldn’t be surprised.” That statement carries weight because, time and again, Trout defies expectations, showcasing abilities that few in the game can match. And this game was no exception.
Trout didn’t waste any time making an impact, launching a three-run homer in the first inning that set the tone for the night. His offensive contributions didn’t stop there; he followed up with two singles that demonstrated both his power and precision at the plate. Even though he grounded into a double play in the seventh, Trout expressed confidence about his knee, indicating he felt no pain as he sprinted to beat the relay.
Since rejoining the lineup, Trout is on fire—hitting .571 with eight hits in 14 at-bats, elevating his batting average from a sluggish .179 to a more respectable .225. Remarkably, this was only his second home run in 35 career games at Fenway, a park known for its unique dimensions and challenges.
At 33, Trout’s experience shone through during his recovery. He took the opportunity to fine-tune his swing, putting in 30 to 40 swings a day. This time off allowed him to shed some bad habits, essentially giving him a chance to reset and recalibrate.
Those three hits on Monday night not only added to his impressive resume but also placed him in a notable spot in franchise history. With 1,675 career hits, Trout moved into second place on the Angels’ all-time list, surpassing Tim Salmon. The team’s all-time hits leader, Garret Anderson, still holds the record with 2,368, but Trout is firmly in pursuit.
The excitement didn’t stop with Trout. Zach Neto kicked off the game with a homer, followed by Trout’s three-run shot and Jo Adell’s smash over the Green Monster, marking the first time in Fenway’s 114-year history that a visiting team has belted three homers in the first inning.
It’s a thrilling time to be an Angels fan, with Trout showing he’s not just back but ready to make a strong impact as the season progresses. His blend of power and precision is essential for the Angels as they navigate the final stretch of the season, and if his recent form is any indication, the league should brace itself for what’s to come.
