TAYLOR WARD homered twice (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

Led by Jo Adell’s two home runs in the fifth inning, the streaking Los Angeles Angels defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 11-1 on Thursday, totaling six homers for the game.

Also going deep for the Halos were Mike Trout (two home runs) and Taylor Ward (two home runs). With the win, the team improved to 8-4, a half-game back in the American League West of the Texas Rangers (9-4).

“That was pretty special,” Ward said of the homer fiesta. “We’ve got a great group of guys, hitters, and I think that’s something we could do a few times this year.”

Starting pitcher Jose Soriano (2-1) was almost an impressive on the mouth, lasting 7.2 innings while giving up just five hits and one earned run. Hhe struck out four batters and walked three.

On Friday the Angels will be in Houston to take on the Astros. Jack Kochanowicz (1-0) will start for the Orange County team.

NOTE: The Dodgers (10-4) had the day off and will start a series Friday in Chicago against the Cubs.

Lakers and Clippers resume Friday

After an off-day on Thursday, the Lakers and Clippers will be in action Friday. The Lake Show (49-31) – which clinched a playoff berth Wednesday – resume play hosting the Houston Rockets (52-28) while the Clips (44-36) will be visiting the Sacramento Kings (39-41).

Kings clobber Ducks, 6-1

For a rivalry game, this one was not at all a close contest. The Los Angeles Kings defeated the visiting Anaheim Ducks 6-1.

Kevin Fisle scored two goals, and four other players lit the lamp once for the Kings. Adrian Kempe and Andrei Kuzmenko each had three assists.

Cutter Gauthier scored the lone Anaheim goal.

The Kings are now 44-24-9 and in second place in the NHL Pacific Division. The Ducks are 35-35-8 and in sixth place.