Angels salvage series, win 7-3 behind sacrifice flies and Albert Pujols speed

Angels 7, Diamondbacks 3

For the third time in this three-game series, the Angel offense did its job. Today was the first time the pitching did its as well.

Griffin Canning continued his mini-streak of solid performances and earned his first win of the season (yes, he probably only has one more start to go). Canning, despite his seemingly rocky sophomore campaign, has not allowed more than four runs in any of his starts, giving the chance a theoretical chance to win every game. In the Thursday matinee, he went five strong innings, allowing two runs (one earned) on six hits, striking out seven and walking two. As Fabian Ardaya says, had Andrelton Simmons not made two errors on one play and elongated the fifth, Canning would’ve had a chance to go for the quality start.

Mike Mayers worked two strong innings in relief. He is now third in the league in reliever fWAR. Go figure.

The offense continued its torrid streak. Anthony Rendon homered:

Jared Walsh is setting records:

Albert Pujols is running (wait, what?):

And the team hit three sacrifice flies in the first three innings and ended up scoring six in the frames, all that was needed.

After the dust settled, it was a much-needed victory for the Angels, who must finish the season 10-0 to avoid a losing season.

(Picture screenshot from Fox Sports Go)

19 Comments
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nishiogawakun
Super Member
4 years ago

It’s that point in the season where acceptance causes me to suddenly feel a burst of optimism…about next year. Truly though, Ward and Walsh have been pleasant surprises, and I am glad that the team was forced/allowed them to continue to develop.

My optimism has me hoping that Simba gives the Angels a team discount, Ward and Walsh continue to develop in the majors, Adell and Marsh continue to develop in the minors, one of those four is traded for pitching, Pujols retires early, but then signs a one year celebrity contract with the Cards, Upton overhauls his swing and finds himself a .260 hitter with pop, Ohtani finds better PT than what the Angels are offering and makes a great connection with a sports psychologist becoming the two-way player we always knew he would, and we go balls to the wall in FA pitching. Oh and Trout wins his 4th MVP next year.

Last edited 4 years ago by nishiogawakun
2002heaven
Super Member
4 years ago
Reply to  DowningDude

reminds me of Rickey Henderson who’s 61 BTW.
Yes…….some of you are old. 😄 

Designerguy
Super Member
4 years ago

Celebrate the win

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DMAGZ13
Trusted Member
4 years ago

If we were 7-2 against Texas and Arizona instead of 2-7…we would fighting for a playoff spot. Amazing.

WallyChuckChili
Legend
4 years ago

In that Rendon HR

The sound of the Wall is better than the sound off the Bat

Guest
4 years ago

Gotta have Walsh pitch, so he can be the best two-way player on the team this year.

Mayers has transformed from a weiner to a fireman.

I hope the new GM knows pitching, cause this mini season has sucked.

Warfarin
Trusted Member
4 years ago
Reply to 

It’s been a crappy season, but there have definitely been some bright spots for the future:

  1. Bundy has been a revelation and should be extended
  2. Mayers has been one of the best relievers in the game this year. Relievers are volatile, but he’s been a great find
  3. Walsh’s fantastic September likely paves the way for him being our 1B moving forward.
  4. Ward has had a strong September, showing much improved plate discipline and solid contact

Honestly, I’d probably demote Adell next year unless he enters ST much improved, and I’d probably open up with Ward in RF and Upton in LF.

Eric_in_Portland
Legend
4 years ago

only 9-0 now and we’re there! or 0-9, either works for me.

Guest
4 years ago

Hope y’all are getting better up there.

Last edited 4 years ago by pseudagm
Eric_in_Portland
Legend
4 years ago
Reply to 

these fires and smoke have put a real damper on the demonstrations!

Guest
4 years ago

Darn!

Mia
Legend
Mia
4 years ago

Yaaaaaaaaaaaaay…

PatrickNaN
Trusted Member
4 years ago

Inconceivable!

WallyChuckChili
Legend
4 years ago
Reply to  PatrickNaN

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2002heaven
Super Member
4 years ago

inkonseevabol………correkt spelleeng PLZ!! 😎 

John Henry Weitzel
Editor
Super Member
4 years ago

comment image

Can the Angels do anything right? Competing bad and tanking bad.

Born_in_59
Trusted Member
4 years ago

Or you could say they are mediocre at both. To be honest, I would enjoy a ten game win streak to end the season. It would be more enjoyable if it knocked that Houston team out of the playoffs, but c’est la vie.

John Henry Weitzel
Editor
Super Member
4 years ago
Reply to  Born_in_59

Well yeah if this team somehow finishes 30-30 I’ll enjoy it but still