Kikuchi takes major step forward with deepest start of season

ANAHEIM — After posting a 15.63 ERA in four rehab outings and allowing five runs in five innings in his return from shoulder inflammation on Aug. 23, lefty Yusei Kikuchi bounced back with a strong showing against the Phillies on Sunday. Kikuchi went seven innings, allowing two runs on six hits and a walk with six strikeouts in a 5-2 loss in the series finale at Angel Stadium. Kikuchi gave up a solo homer to J.T. Realmuto in the third and a solo shot to Edmundo Sosa in the seventh while the offense struggled, as the Angels were swept by…