Angels Escape Houston With A Big 2-1 Win

After losing three mostly winnable games in Houston, the Angels headed into the rubber match hoping for a win before heading back home. The first 4 innings were pretty uneventful except for some great pitching by the Halos’ Griffin Canning and the Astros’ J.P. France. The Astros hurler did Canning one better by pitching 5 no-hit innings. Canning was the first to blink in the bottom of the 5th when Yainer Diaz hit a high fastball even higher over the left field Crawford Boxes to give the Astros a one-run lead.

After I spent a moment jinxing France by saying repeatedly “he has a no-hitter, he has a no-hitter”, Luis Rengifo brought it to fulfillment by launching a home run of his own over the right field wall to not only end the no-hitter but also tie the game in the 6th inning.

Canning’s day was over after 6 1-run, 4-hit innings. He would give way to Devenski who immediately gave up a double to Yainer Diaz. A grounder moved Diaz to third with one out. Maldonado tried to give his team the lead, sending a grounder down the third base line, but Gio Urshela made a great diving stop and throw across the diamond to keep the score tied.

Devenski continued his escape by striking out Dubon to end the inning. J.P. France’s day was over after 7 innings but the Angels got something cooking in the 8th inning when facing Phil Maton. Urshela led off the inning with a single, then switched places with Neto on a fielder’s choice. That brought up Mr. Ohtani. On a full count, Neto was on the move and Shohei did his job with a long RBI double, although he appeared to think he got more of it than he did. No problem, despite a Trout strikeout to end the rally, Angels take the lead 2-1.

Devenski and Carlos Estevez combined to send the Astros down in order in the bottom of the 8th and Astros pitcher Bryan Abreu also faced the minimum thanks to a double play in the top of the 9th.

Carlos Estevez came back out to try to continue his saves streak. All he allowed was a walk and a game ending double play. He is now 14 for 14 on save attempts. Angels win 2-1. The Halo is shining and welcoming the team back home!

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John Henry Weitzel
Editor
Super Member
9 months ago

Yay not swept!

comment image

Angelz4ever
Super Member
9 months ago

Did anyone see that Little league play by the BoSox?

HILARIOUS!!

DowningDude
Legend
9 months ago
Reply to  Angelz4ever

Just saw it. Yikes. 🤣🤣🤣🤣

FungoAle
Super Member
9 months ago

An Angel win today meant those a-holes who predicted a Houston sweep can just STFU

DowningDude
Legend
9 months ago
Reply to  FungoAle

Woo hoo

Twebur
Legend
9 months ago
Twebur
Legend
9 months ago

Who knew. Eyeball test works

Angels’ pitchers looking to put hitters away better after getting ahead 0-and-2The Angels are allowing the highest batting average in the majors on 0-and-2 pitches, and Reid Detmers has allowed the most 0-and-2 hits in MLB

The Angels have been one of the worst teams in the majors at finishing off hitters after getting ahead with strikes on the first two pitches.

Opponents have hit .210 against the Angels on 0-and-2 pitches, the highest average in the majors. The big league average is .151.

https://www.ocregister.com/2023/06/02/angels-pitchers-looking-to-put-hitters-away-better-after-getting-ahead-0-and-2/

DowningDude
Legend
9 months ago

No wonder why there was a problem, Houston … Forrest Gump was on that spaceship!

Eric_in_Portland
Legend
9 months ago

While I’m enjoying today’s win I’m also contemplating the Seattle disaster. Super stud hurler Bryce Miller, 2 1/3 innings 7 runs. Superstar young hitter Kelenic 0 for 4 with 3 ks, now free falling. Oh well. Their fans can always dreamily look back at them appearing in the ALCS a couple of times

Kiyotchan
Super Member
9 months ago

Mariners are in trouble. Bryan Woo, a rookie call up from 2A to replace Marco Gonzales (who will probably get TJ surgery) got roughed up, though Andrew Heaney also struggled, Texas bats were too potent. Julio Rodriguez is in his sophomore slump. If they could not get a win when Luis Castillo pitched, no hope.

The one before last year when Mariners made the playoff was 2001, when Ichiro joined Mariners. As you might remember, they won MLB record tying 116 games that year. They probably should have won World Series if it weren’t for 9/11 attack in New York City. Mariners were essentially going against the whole nation cheering for MFYankees. I went to 16 of their games driving I-5 200+ miles each way with my then 9 year old son. We were die hard Seattle fans, and Seattle won all the games that we saw. It was good time.

Cowboy26
Legend
9 months ago
Reply to  Kiyotchan

Im sure we will be just what the doctor ordered for the slumping Mariners this weekend.

How many Cy Rookies are we facing?

Kiyotchan
Super Member
9 months ago
Reply to  Cowboy26

At your service, sir,

Projected starters for Cubs and Mariners series:

Anderson vs Hendriks
Barria vs H. Wesneski
Detmers vs Taillon

Ohtani vs L. Castillo
Sandoval vs Woo
Canning vs B.Miller

Extensive analysis using my delusion of grandeur/estrasensory perception skills will be undertaken, and the results will be released on Tuesday.

USA Today predicted 4-2 Angels win today. I guess they thought that JP France and Canning would be 50% worse than what they actually did.

Cowboy26
Legend
9 months ago
Reply to  Kiyotchan

so 2 out of the 3 Mariners scheduled starters are Cy Rookies and the other pitcher we will face is one of the best pitchers in the league .

I cant wait.

DowningDude
Legend
9 months ago

comment image

Eric_in_Portland
Legend
9 months ago

Dear Diary: this 2023 team looks much better than the 2022 squad. I’d order playoff tickets now but I haven’t been outside Oregon in years and don’t expect to be in Anaheim in October.

Fansince1971
Legend
9 months ago

I’ll sell you some. I also have a bridge in Brooklyn if you’re interested…..

2002heaven
Trusted Member
9 months ago

comment image?fit=around%7C634:1024&output-quality=90&crop=634:1024;center,top
JP France are lookalikes!!! 😂 

Last edited 9 months ago by 2002heaven
Senator_John_Blutarsky
Legend
9 months ago
Reply to  2002heaven

Did you escape from the asylum?

2002heaven
Trusted Member
9 months ago

dont get all neguhtiv
wee wun didnt weee?

RexFregosi
Super Member
9 months ago

escorted by Nurse Ratchet

2002heaven
Trusted Member
9 months ago
Reply to  RexFregosi

I had to get with Harley Quinn because she’s waiting!!
 💪 

Kiyotchan
Super Member
9 months ago
Reply to  2002heaven

I like Jimmy Herget with fake mustache borrowed from Bobby V better.

Last edited 9 months ago by Kiyotchan
Twebur
Legend
9 months ago
DowningDude
Legend
9 months ago
Reply to  Twebur

😆

Senator_John_Blutarsky
Legend
9 months ago
Reply to  Twebur

all it means is that his next visit to IR is getting closer….

2002heaven
Trusted Member
9 months ago

Phil Nevin and former VP Mike Pence
lookalikes!

Cowboy26
Legend
9 months ago
Reply to  2002heaven

If you were blind and saw them in a dark alley

Brent
Super Member
9 months ago
Reply to  Twebur

Didn’t specify which Tuesday or Wednesday.

Kiyotchan
Super Member
9 months ago
Reply to  Twebur

I just looked ahead and saw Shohei as projected starter on Friday against Mariners. Nothing surprising there. Here is a rant of the week, so I don’t have to do it later.

It is on Apple TV+ exclusively.

Even though I live in an area that basic cable tv service includes Root Sports, which broadcast Mariners games, I will not be able to watch it. I am such a miserable Shohei apologist, so I may be tempted to sign up for free trial as Friday approaches. Apple TV also announced few days ago that Angels vs Blue Jays on July 28 was selected for their broadcast. Not that I prefer Communism, but corporate capitalism sucks in this case.

Done ranting. You will not hear any more about this. Except perhaps slight mock about City of Cupertino.

Last edited 9 months ago by Kiyotchan
Senator_John_Blutarsky
Legend
9 months ago

comment image&ct=g

DowningDude
Legend
9 months ago

” You know what? I’m happy”

2002heaven
Trusted Member
9 months ago
Reply to  DowningDude

so am I
BTW it happened with Phil the Titan and Matty V.

tanana40
Super Member
9 months ago

June 4, the day the season turned around. 🙂

Fansince1971
Legend
9 months ago
Reply to  tanana40

Turned around and showed us it’s ass more like

matthiasstephan
Super Member
9 months ago
Reply to  Fansince1971

Not even happy after a win?

Fansince1971
Legend
9 months ago

We went 1-3 against a division rival. Sure it’s better than 0-4 but maybe a bit premature and exaggerating to say it’s playoff time. I’m never excited to lose 3 of 4 particularly to a division rival.

Kiyotchan
Super Member
9 months ago
Reply to  Fansince1971

We avoided 4 game sweep, falling below 0.500 and Bobby V on Tuesday. I would say these are 3 big reasons (not necessarily in that order) to feel happy through June 6.  😃 

Last edited 9 months ago by Kiyotchan
Fansince1971
Legend
9 months ago
Reply to  Kiyotchan

Lost 3 of 4 to a division rival. It’s lipstick on a pig. Whipped cream on a shit sundae.

But yes better than being swept I guess.

Last edited 9 months ago by Fansince1971
RexFregosi
Super Member
9 months ago
Reply to  Fansince1971

better weekend in Texas than the Moaners had

Kiyotchan
Super Member
9 months ago
Reply to  RexFregosi

Texas is a legit contender. I won’t be surprised if they surpass Tampa Bay for #1 seed in AL. We need MFYankees, Blue Jays, Red Sux, and Mariners to continue to falter. We are not catching Texas this season. Mets did not do their job against Toronto this weekend.

2002heaven
Trusted Member
9 months ago
Reply to  Kiyotchan

They’ve spent enough over the past two years
you would hope so. The Padres time is up as their small market but big market size payroll was unsustainable.

Last edited 9 months ago by 2002heaven
Kiyotchan
Super Member
9 months ago
Reply to  2002heaven

Corey Seager: $325MM x 10y
Marcus Sieman: $175MM x 7y
Nathan Eovaldi: $34MM-$63MM x 2-3y with incentives.
Andrew Heaney: $25MM x 2y

Last year Texas was target for general sneers, but this year not so much.

2002heaven
Trusted Member
9 months ago
Reply to  RexFregosi

Dont werry GPD will probably be in Chicago soon

Marcotor
Trusted Member
9 months ago
Reply to  RexFregosi

Ahh, the Laker defense! Excuse suckage with “Better than some other team…”

DowningDude
Legend
9 months ago
Reply to  Fansince1971

Hostility abounds!
(Old HH méme)

Fansince1971
Legend
9 months ago
Reply to  DowningDude

Haha!!

Twebur
Legend
9 months ago
Reply to  tanana40

…a date which will live in infamy.

Cowboy26
Legend
9 months ago
Reply to  tanana40

June 6th the day the season was over.

max
Trusted Member
max
9 months ago
Reply to  Cowboy26

Well, it wasn’t over when Germany bombed Pearl Harbor, so…

Cowboy26
Legend
9 months ago
Reply to  max

Well thats According to the Senator.

Twebur
Legend
9 months ago
Reply to  Cowboy26

This must be code for something?

On June 6th, the D-Day anniversary?
You are saying Tuck-Friendly D will end the season with a horrible pitching performance?

Last edited 9 months ago by Twebur
Kiyotchan
Super Member
9 months ago
Reply to  Twebur

I flunked World History in high school, so I have no idea what you guys are talking about.

DowningDude
Legend
9 months ago
Reply to  tanana40

Optimism abounds!

DowningDude
Legend
9 months ago

NEVER A DOUBT – PLAYOFF BOUND

Eric_in_Portland
Legend
9 months ago
Reply to  DowningDude

that’s what I’ve been sayin’!

Twebur
Legend
9 months ago
Reply to  DowningDude

Well done!
Live to see another day!
Even if it’s in the ICU. With a feeding tube and on oxygen. 
Just laying there…..looking forward to our daily sponge bath with Nurse Ratched. 

IMG_1983.jpeg
Fansince1971
Legend
9 months ago
Reply to  Twebur

comment image

Pineapple12
Super Member
9 months ago

Griffin Canning is the clear #2 on this team.

Last 3 starts
19 IP
4 ER
18 K
4 BB

94-97 with electric secondary pitches.

Canning has finally arrived!

Twebur
Legend
9 months ago
Reply to  Pineapple12

Last 3 starts he’s our #1!

Pineapple12
Super Member
9 months ago
Reply to  Twebur

If we go by recency bias

1a. Canning
1b. Barria
3. Ohtani
6a. Sandoval
6b. Detmers
6z. Anderson (he’s just so bad lol)

The bones of a good rotation are there.

Last edited 9 months ago by Pineapple12
BannedInLA
Super Member
9 months ago
Reply to  Pineapple12

Shohei is scuffling, but he’s going to figure it out. Canning & Barria are solid, the real problem is that Sandoval & Detmers are performing below expectations and none of them can be counted on to go at least 7 innings.

The BP has been more reliable than the SP, frankly.

smithy610
Super Member
9 months ago
Reply to  BannedInLA

Detmers is the most frustrating for me. One game he pitches like a 12K, 0 earned runs gem, next game, he tosses a total stinker. The 3rd-time-through-the-order OPS is a real issue. He doesn’t need to be a K machine, I can live with him being a Canning-like lefty – pitches to weak contact and letting the defense work for you. Don’t need to be flashy, just need to be effective

Cowboy26
Legend
9 months ago
Reply to  BannedInLA

As long as someone else calls his pitches.

BannedInLA
Super Member
9 months ago
Reply to  Cowboy26

I wonder if we’re missing O’Hoppe calling games more than his bat.

Fansince1971
Legend
9 months ago
Reply to  Pineapple12

Speaking of canning, I’m a sardine fan. Who is with me?!

MikeSalmon
Super Member
9 months ago
Reply to  Fansince1971

Count me in…anchovies, too. I suspect we are in the vast minority.

Fansince1971
Legend
9 months ago
Reply to  MikeSalmon

I’m considering doing a sardine and beer spread every time Canning pitches

Twebur
Legend
9 months ago
Reply to  Fansince1971

The naturally occurring Spam of the sea..sardines.

Kiyotchan
Super Member
9 months ago
Reply to  Twebur

At least sardines contain omega-3 fatty acids, and so do anchovies. I am probably more fan of sardine Sashimi with Shiso infused soy sauce.

If you ever visit Maui, try Spam Musubi. They are to die for.

BannedInLA
Super Member
9 months ago
Reply to  Fansince1971

Spam.

Sliced thinly and cooked in a little olive oil & paired with steamed rice & eggs.

Cowboy26
Legend
9 months ago
Reply to  Pineapple12

Dude theres a alot of #2 on this team.

Twebur
Legend
9 months ago
Reply to  Cowboy26

🚽 💩 🚽 💩 🚽 💩 🚽 💩 🚽 💩 🚽 💩 🚽 💩 🚽 💩

FungoAle
Super Member
9 months ago
Reply to  Pineapple12

For this week

Kiyotchan
Super Member
9 months ago

Nevin survives. Bobby V seen with disappointment altering his already prepared introductory speech to reflect minor changes.

DowningDude
Legend
9 months ago
Reply to  Kiyotchan

was interested to see how he would shed his sports betting business as it should be a conflict for anyone managing a sports team.

Kiyotchan
Super Member
9 months ago
Reply to  DowningDude

It could still happen. As one says, there is still a lot of baseball games to be played. Personally I hope it never happens.

Last edited 9 months ago by Kiyotchan
max
Trusted Member
max
9 months ago
Reply to  Kiyotchan

Can’t tell if serious or not, but there is NFW Nevin gets replaced by Bob Valentine. The dude is batshit crazy.

Kiyotchan
Super Member
9 months ago
Reply to  max

You are absolutely correct in that Bobby V is a section 8 worthy, sleazy conniving sh’t head. As many of us spent good 6 hours discussing this subject last night, the general consensus was he is our next Prince Charming/Savior for Angels if Nevin is canned because of Bobby V’s intimate relationship with Perry’s father. There is a good read regarding this matter at the internet site of the certain east coast cable company whose name I have vowed never to utter at this site.

Pineapple12
Super Member
9 months ago

LTBU

— Canning continues to impress.
— Rengifo saved us from the no-no with that HR.
— Ohtani with another big hit
— Urshela with the defensive play of the series
— Devo and Charlie Sheen locker it down again

Great game! Definitely coulda split, but is what it is now.

Get Rendon back for the homestand. Sweep the Cubs.

Last edited 9 months ago by Pineapple12
Fansince1971
Legend
9 months ago
Reply to  Pineapple12

comment image

Fansince1971
Legend
9 months ago
Reply to  Fansince1971

What show is this from? Oh yeah

Curb Your Enthusiasm

2002heaven
Trusted Member
9 months ago
Reply to  Fansince1971

FTX?

Kiyotchan
Super Member
9 months ago
Reply to  Pineapple12

Two negatives for Nevin today

1.Moniak for Trout to start.
2.Should have replaced Rengifo in 8th inning.

One negative for Baker today

1.Maton should have walked Shohei to face Trout.

DowningDude
Legend
9 months ago
Reply to  Kiyotchan

I’d walk MATHIS to face Trout right now

Senator_John_Blutarsky
Legend
9 months ago
Reply to  DowningDude

He’s hitting .264

There’s something wrong with him.

Kiyotchan
Super Member
9 months ago

I wonder how often MLB players get their eyes checked. He is about the age when I started having farsightedness. A visit to a local optometrist may be in order.

max
Trusted Member
max
9 months ago

According to BBref, last 28 days: 223/318/404. Injured or another victim of falling off the cliff at 32 (not quite 32), tho on a pace for 5 war.

matthiasstephan
Super Member
9 months ago
Reply to  max

Last year, 5 WAR earned you top-10 MVP finish.

Trout is in a slump, but this performance, even if only a 5 WAR season, is not falling off a cliff in anyone’s world. Perhaps this year he is coming down to earth a bit?

Twebur
Legend
9 months ago
Reply to  DowningDude

I’d walk Trout to face Trout….somehow, it would turn into 2 K’s.

Fansince1971
Legend
9 months ago

Nice win.

I predicted 1-3 for this series and 2-1 for the next 2. If I’m right the team will be 3 above .500 going into mid June which would not be awful.

Kiyotchan
Super Member
9 months ago
Reply to  Fansince1971

I just found out that Marcus Stroman is scheduled to pitch tonight. Hallelujah!

GrandpaBaseball
Legend
9 months ago

LTBU!