Zack Cozart had three hits, and closer Cody Allen notched an adventurous four-out save to help the Los Angeles Angels to a 6-5 victory against the host Chicago Cubs on Saturday afternoon.
Justin Bour and Brian Goodwin added two hits apiece for the Angels, who evened the three-game series at 1-1.
Javier Baez doubled three times for the Cubs, and Jason Heyward had two hits.
The first five Angels reached base in the second inning, paving the way for a three-run rally. David Fletcher and Cozart contributed run-scoring singles before pitcher Chris Stratton drove in a run on a double play. A catcher interference call against Contreras preceded Cozart’s hit.
Baez smacked RBI doubles in the third and fifth innings to help the Cubs rally from their early three-run deficit. Cubs right-hander Kyle Hendricks (0-3) retired the Angels in order in the top half of both innings, limiting further damage.
Los Angeles struck immediately when Cubs manager Joe Maddon went to his bullpen in the sixth. With two outs, pinch hitter Albert Pujols drew an RBI walk against Brad Brach, prompting another pitching change. Randy Rosario walked Kole Calhoun, the first hitter he faced, to force home another run, giving the Angels a 5-2 advantage.
Peter Bourjos added a run-scoring sacrifice fly in the eighth inning to pad the lead to 6-2.
Chicago loaded the bases with two out in the bottom of the eighth. Representing the tying run, pinch hitter Mark Zagunis hit a two-run single against Hansel Robles to bring the Cubs within two.
Allen fanned Daniel Descalso to end the threat before navigating the wild drama of the ninth, earning his fourth save in as many chances this season.
Stratton allowed two runs on five hits in 4 2/3 innings, scattering four walks and five strikeouts. He fell one out short of qualifying for the win. Ty Buttrey (1-0) earned the win in relief, retiring Heyward on a groundout to end the fifth.
Hendricks gave up three runs — two earned — on six hits in five innings with one walk and two strikeouts.