Baseball: Kikuchi falters in return from injured list for Angels

Los Angeles Angels pitcher Yusei Kikuchi faced challenges during his return from a four-month injury absence, as he allowed five runs over five innings in a 5-3 defeat to the Texas Rangers on Sunday. The veteran Japanese left-hander struck out seven batters, though he was responsible for two home runs and a walk, contributing to three runs being scored in the second inning and another two in the fifth at Globe Life Field in Arlington.

Kikuchi had initially been placed on the injured list on May 3 due to left shoulder inflammation, marked by a record of 0-4 before this game. Meanwhile, Chicago Cubs starter Shota Imanaga pitched just two innings in a turbulent performance, and did not impact his team's impressive 19-2 comeback victory against the Seattle Mariners.

For the Cubs, Seiya Suzuki went 2-for-3 with three walks and three runs scored, while Shohei Ohtani went 0-for-3 with a walk and a stolen base. The Los Angeles Dodgers extended their winning streak to six games with a 4-0 triumph over the Pittsburgh Pirates. Additionally, Kodai Senga (0-9) was held accountable for the New York Mets' 2-1 loss to the Chicago White Sox, as they conceded a walk-off solo home run in the bottom of the ninth inning at Rate Field.