KANSAS CITY -- Angels right-hander Nick Tropeano waited 21 months to return to a Major League mound after undergoing Tommy John surgery in August 2016. He made it worth the wait, striking out six over 6 2/3 scoreless innings to help the Angels extend their winning streak to five games with a 7-1 victory over the Royals in Thursday night's series opener at Kauffman Stadium.
With the win, the Angels improved to 11-3 to match their 1979 team for the best start in franchise history. Their 11 victories are the most in the Majors this season.