Something people forget is that Patrick Sandoval was acquired in a trade with Houston. Yep, way back when the Angels shipped Martin Maldonado to them in 2018. Ohtani was sad at the time, but I am sure he and the rest of the team appreciate how good Sandy is and how he solidifies this rotation greatly.
So how did he do against his former team? Well, not well… see, despite his best efforts, Houston really has Sandy’s number and showed it yet again today. 4 runs in 6 and a third. Honestly, could have been worse. Especially since he didn’t have the best help out there in the field.
Good thing the offense can score, and that was the difference, that and a perfect bullpen performance. Here is how they did it.
Highlighted Recap
Angels struck first, with a Renfroe home run in the 2nd.
Sadly, the game was tied up in the 3rd by Bregman being a jerkface as usual.
And then they took the lead.
Then it got worse with another hit and a bad fielding mishap made it 3-1 Astros.
Luckily, this Angels team can hit good. And Ohtani drove in a run in the 3rd.
And so did Rendon
Too bad the Astros got the lead right back in the 5th.
It was almost worse, but Renfroe threw out a runner going for a double.
Ohtani tied it up again in the 5th with yet another double.
The bullpen held for the 7th and 8th, allowing the Angels to take the lead in the bottom of the 8th with a triple by Drury!
Thaiss then added an insurance run with a sac fly, 6-4 Angels!
Estevez came in to get the save and shut down the Astros, Angels win!
Upcoming
With the win, the Angels secure second place in the AL West and become the 10th team to get to 20 wins this season. It was much needed, after the last two days have been most unkind. Another one tomorrow, Ohtani against the Astros!
