Angels Lose Game 1 of 2023 Freeway Series to the Dodgers 2-0, Despite Awesome Detmers Outing

The evil big brothers from up the 5 came to town as the Angels returned home from a Shohei-fueled winning road trip. Reid Detmers faced off against his hero Clayton Kershaw. For the first 7 innings, they went toe to toe with Detmers actually outmastering his idol going 7 shutout innings while allowing 2 hits and striking out 8. For his part, Kershaw went 7 shutout innings allowing just 5 hits and striking out 5. There were a few highlights and frustrations over those innings, like this Taylor Ward catch in the second inning.

For the frustrating, in the 4th inning Renfroe doubled to the left field gap. Third base coach Bill Haselman sent Brandon Drury home and it appeared that he would be out by a mile. But Brandon Drury threw his body at the plate while twisting and reaching with his other hand to avoid the tag and score according to the home plate umpire. But we know the reviewers in New York hate the Angels so they overturned the call, leaving us with a still scoreless game after 4 innings. Did the catcher’s glove slightly hit Drury’s helmet? You be the judge.

In the 5th inning, Angel SS Andrew Velazquez made an AMAZING play to end the inning.

Fast forward to the 8th inning and the new Angel pitcher was Chris Devenski. Unfortunately, he continued his newfound bad juju from Kansas City. After one out, the floodgates began to inch open when Miguel Rojas doubled, then Michael Busch singled to drive in the first run of the game. But that wasn’t enough. After Mookie Betts made the second out, Freddie Freeman singled and moved Busch to third. Then Will Smith singled to drive in Busch. J.D. Martinez then ended the inning with a flyout, but the damage was done. 2-0 Dodgers.

PHOOEY!
BLECH!!

In the 8th and 9th the Angels had no comeback life in them and the game was over. Round one of the 2023 Freeway Series goes to the Dodgers.

Key Takeaways:

  1. Detmers looked awesome. Hopefully he keeps it up.
  2. Squid is doing the best Neto impression he can.
  3. The Angels will win tomorrow 5-3. You heard it here first.
64 Comments
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MikeSalmon
Super Member
1 year ago

Maddening game, but not the horrific loss that, say, the 10-9 loss in KC was. Detmers outpitched Kershaw, Drury looked really slow rounding 3rd and I was surprised he made it so close. Ward throws behind the runner, allowing him to take 3rd. In the bottom of the 7th we have Drury at 3rd, Renfroe at 2nd with no outs and Padlo (who the eff…?) grounds out, Chad Ks, Heef walks, then Squid hits the first pitch for a force out: that was out chance. Damn!

Close, close clooooose game that didn’t go our way. Annihilate these effs tomorrow. Minasian was quoted today that we’re not dealing Sho is we stay in contention.

Kiyotchan
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  MikeSalmon

I thought Jeff Fletcher mentioned that the question regarding Shohei’s trade was “self explanatory” according to Perry. I am certain PM is getting really antsy of the same question over and over, and this is his way of expressing indignance at the media.

Last edited 1 year ago by Kiyotchan
tanana40
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  Kiyotchan

I think Perry is just saying, “right now we are in the playoffs if the season ended, why would we trade our MVP?”

Eric_in_Portland
Legend
1 year ago

well I’m biased in favor of the Angels and Drury was out so that means he was really out.

DowningDude
Legend
1 year ago

I think they went with “the glove knocked the helmet off prior to the hand touching home.” but it could’ve been his shoulder from the swim move that dislodged the helmet – that wasn’t clear which one but NY went with the glove dislodging the helmet.

dagnabbit – wear a looser helmet and take it off at 3rd base. 😀

DowningDude
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  DowningDude

that chin guard crap is what cost us the game. If his helmet didn’t have that – he’s safe

steelgolf
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  DowningDude

Has New York called anything The Angels way this year?

DowningDude
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  steelgolf

We had one recently that was wrong but helped us – Texas i think

DowningDude
Legend
1 year ago

Dang, it is clear here:
comment image
glove is hitting that chin guard part of the helmet; hand is above the plate.

matthiasstephan
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  DowningDude

I don’t know. I think his pinkie might be down. So hard to see – hardly clear and convincing evidence, should be ‘call stands’.

Kiyotchan
Super Member
1 year ago

I noticed that NY took a long time to make a decision on that call. They should have pitch clock rule like players do, and if they cannot come up with a decision after, say, 2 minutes, the call on the field stands AND the whole replay team ejected/fired on the spot from MLB headquarter.

Simba
Trusted Member
1 year ago

Yeah I watched that replay several times in ski no – his pinky did drag on the plate. It wasn’t at all clear to me which happened first – given the lack of clarity, call should not have been overturned

Cowboy26
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  DowningDude

Clear to whom? need to look at the side angle at the moment to confirm contact.

DowningDude
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  Cowboy26

too late now:
comment image

jcstein
Trusted Member
1 year ago

Questionables: why is Taylor Ward continually getting the nod with Moniak and Adell waiting in the wings; why didn’t Stefanic (aka Mr. Good-At-Bats) get a chance to start; and why is…Fletch….Rengif….

tanana40
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  jcstein

Moniak struggles against left handed pitchers.

Rick Souddress
Editor
Trusted Member
1 year ago

Here I am once again defending Andrew Velazquez who had a really really solid game and continues to get shit from Angels fans for this game.

DowningDude
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  Rick Souddress

lolwut? Velasquez was solid.

DowningDude
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  DowningDude

Only thing I don’t like about him is that he isn’t Neto

Kiyotchan
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  DowningDude

We have been spoiled by Neto, who is actually #5 in All Star votes. So, he is getting national attention, which he deserves. Velazquez is another excellent defensive SS, but our eye test tells us that Squid is not at the level of Neto. And Neto is definitely a better hitter than Squid.

DowningDude
Legend
1 year ago

Blames:
1. Bad hop.
2. Taylor Ward throwing behind a stopped runner at SS
3. Bad base coaching. Phil and Valentine said the send was warranted, but the shortstop had the ball in very shallow left center as Drury was touching 3B. He was out by a mile with a decent throw; sure it went to replay on a horrible throw but that shows how bad the original send was.

Last edited 1 year ago by DowningDude
Kiyotchan
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  DowningDude

When the bad hop occurred, I posted “we are cursed.” But, we really should have scored in that bottom of 7th when we had runners on 2nd and 3rd. Retrospect is 20/20, but it was 0-0 pitching duel, Nevin should have realized that the first run was extremely important. I am really disappointed that we did not use small ball there, like safety bunt. If Wallach was not quite adept at bunting, pinch hit someone who is better at it. We had Kershaw and Dodgers shaken there, but we allowed them to escape with no run.

It seems that when we fail to score especially with a runner on third with less than 2 out, the other team gets the momentum and scores, and it was the same tonight. Devenski did not look that great either tonight. It was a winnable game, and could have Angels stopped the losing streak to Dodgers and Kershaw. It would have a statement victory.

But, we will turn the page and move on. I will be back tomorrow to cheer for Shohei and Angel’s win.

DowningDude
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  Kiyotchan

I actually wanted Squid to bunt toward first as Kershaw is a lefty and Squid can bunt. Even with 2 outs. It makes the pitcher play defense.

I had no faith in the other two duds to lay down a bunt in that situation. Tip cap to Kershaw. The guy made the pitches when he needed them.

Cowboy26
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  DowningDude

Squid should not be up at the plate in a late & close situation but Dumb ass Perry has no other options ar shortstop other than RengiBlows.

Last edited 1 year ago by Cowboy26
DowningDude
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  Cowboy26

Couldve stopped at “squid should not be up” but here we are.

He did pretty well tonight considering. Tip cap, turn page.

matthiasstephan
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  DowningDude

We are still in amazing position with as many injuries as we have had. Credit Perry for finally providing some depth.

Kiyotchan
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  DowningDude

You are absolutely right. Having a lefty, who would fall to third base side. I have seen him do that successfully in the past. I think you should take over Nevin’s job.

DowningDude
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  Kiyotchan

Nah … I hardly faulted nevin for anything tonight. Some underground anti-arte spirits rocketed that ball above ole Pavlov’s head.

Cowboy26
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  DowningDude

So what you’re saying is Hasselman should have held Drury at third in the bottom of the 4th inning instead of sending him home because you were sure that Kevin Padlo with 2 outs was going drive him in just like he did in the bottom of the 7th with no outs?

Riiiiiight. ( Cue Jim Healy)

DowningDude
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  Cowboy26

hahahah. Welp, he was a dead duck. Dude. Open the eyes and see. He was dead to rights.

DowningDude
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  DowningDude

Lemme screencap this shizz for all the bats in the house. Ball already headed home and drury still 2 steps from turd base.
comment image

DowningDude
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  DowningDude

I mean Hay-sus atche Christmas … look where Drury is when the catcher gathers the ball.
comment image

DowningDude
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  DowningDude

sorry – but this is a laughable send. ROFL-CAKES for everyone

Kiyotchan
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  DowningDude

I actually thought the send was ok with two outs. I don’t know how good Dodger’s short stop was, and he short bounded to Will Smith’s right. Gotta give Will credit for catching it in the short bounce and tag Drury.

WallyChuckChili
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  DowningDude

Nevin wasn’t in the mood to pinch hit tonight. Hasselman knew this, so the send was warranted.

DowningDude
Legend
1 year ago

Even if the ball was in the catchers hand.
🏳🏳🏳🏳

WallyChuckChili
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  DowningDude

With Padlo on deck, Yes!

I would have sent him home from 2nd with the ball in the catchers hand.

DowningDude
Legend
1 year ago

comment image

TrojanBoiler
Trusted Member
1 year ago

Calling up and then starting Padlo has got to be the most baffling Angels leadership decision since Joe Madden’s bases loaded IBB last year. Absolutely indefensible.

What does Stafanic need to do to get playing time? He should have started at 2nd and Drury should have played first. Dude hits .367 in the minors and then looks super competent at the plate in his only game with the big club.

I know I am beating a dead horse, but I would rather see Fletcher at this point than Rengifo as well. My goodness in spite of everything Perry has done well with will roster construction, some of our roster management decisions are just incredibly asinine.

steelgolf
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  TrojanBoiler

Only thing I can think of is Padlo’s dad is a friend of Arte. He is horrible, like having me out there horrible. He needs to be cut by 8 am tomorrow.

DowningDude
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  steelgolf

He did hit a homer against Kershaw in spring. That can be the only baseball angle I can think of that justifies Pavlov.

smithy610
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  steelgolf

I kid you not. This is the reason, straight from the horses’ mouth:

After the Angels recalled Kevin Padlo, as opposed to someone like David Fletcher or Livan Soto, Manager Phil Nevin said it was Padlo’s power potential that appealed to them.

“We need a little more meat in the lineup, if you will,” Nevin said. “We’ve lost some guys that are impact bats. He’s got a chance, especially against lefties, to add that.”

Padlo, 26, has never homered in 49 major league plate appearances with four teams. This year at Triple-A, he hit seven home runs with a .555 slugging percentage in 32 games. He missed more than a month of the season with a broken left finger, an injury that had him out until about a week ago.

Padlo also hit a homer against Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw in spring training this year.

Padlo can play first and third base, so in that sense, he helps replace both Rendon and Gio Urshela, who is going to be out for months with a fractured pelvis.

https://www.ocregister.com/2023/06/20/angels-looking-for-a-little-more-meat-in-their-lineup-to-replace-injured-players/

matthiasstephan
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  smithy610

Well, it isn’t like Squid, Soto or even Fletch are a power bat. I could agree Padlo might not be either, but 7 HR in 32 games isn’t bad.

However, if that is the thinking, Ward/Renfroe at 1B and Moniak or Adell in the OF is a better bet, isn’t it?

red floyd
Legend
1 year ago

Fuck both New York and the Doyers [June]

BannedInLA
Super Member
1 year ago

Side note: Angels’ team website hasn’t posted an update on Stassi since April 9th.

I get more recent updates on World War II than we do on Stassi. Haha

TrojanBoiler
Trusted Member
1 year ago
Reply to  BannedInLA

You think we ever see him in baseball again? The whole situation is eerily quiet.

BannedInLA
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  TrojanBoiler

No, I think he’s done.

Twebur
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  BannedInLA

It’s very odd.
TrAdition

DowningDude
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  BannedInLA

comment image

Halo71
Trusted Member
1 year ago

The Angels will be back to .500 by mid July

Pineapple12
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  Halo71

Thank you for telling us the future.

What do we get if you are wrong?

Halo71
Trusted Member
1 year ago
Reply to  Pineapple12

It’s looking like I won’t have to worry about that

BannedInLA
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  Halo71

Throwing in the towel already?

We’ve got Big Game Shohei going tomorrow vs TBD for the doyers.

Mike Moore is probably back late next week. Ditto for Rendon.

Neto probably Mid-to-late July.

Our schedule for the next few weeks is favorable.

Halo71
Trusted Member
1 year ago
Reply to  BannedInLA

I’m just preparing for the inevitable collapse. I find it hard to get excited when this team has been terrible for eight years

DowningDude
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  Halo71

*9

WallyChuckChili
Legend
1 year ago

Bad call. NY Umps.

Didn’t pinch hit for Squid with the Basses loaded.
.
comment image

BannedInLA
Super Member
1 year ago

I get it, but we’re also a thin squad at this moment.

I can understand Nevin’s thought process when you consider that Squid was having himself a nice game to that point.

Our top 3 going 0-12 hurt us more than anything else IMO.

Troutstrikeout
Trusted Member
1 year ago
Reply to  BannedInLA

Ohtani can’t do it all every night. After the run he’s been on he gets some leeway. Trouts gotta do something. Unfortunately he can’t go against 55 year old Grienke every night. Wards kind of had a down year, we have to get moniak in the lineup more somehow. Put ward at 1st over that whoever it was they called up. I don’t care about defense at 1B, plus I’m sure he’d be fine.

red floyd
Legend
1 year ago

I’m going to pretend the 8th inning didn’t happen and give Panther to Detmers.

Twebur
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  red floyd

Outside the several questionable shitty decisions, calls, bad hops, bad throws, LOBsters etc….Detmers did his part. Pitched like a number 1 tonight.

CTPG is going to get dehydrated from a bad case of anxiety diarrhea after this loss. Time to turn them pages.

F the Doyers.

DowningDude
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  Twebur

comment image

BannedInLA
Super Member
1 year ago

Ward-Trout-Ohtani go for 0-12. When it’s a pitchers duel and we’re as banged up as we are, those three MUST produce or we’ll lose 90% of the time. They didn’t produce and we lost.

Another excellent start by Detmers.

BP should be back to strength for tomorrow.

Flush it and go get tomorrow night’s game.

steelgolf
Legend
1 year ago

Screw you Padlo, get your Uber back to the minors. I’m guessing your dad is a friend of Arte’s, it’s the only explanation that I can think of.

Pineapple12
Super Member
1 year ago

We’ve had a bunch of bad losses this year. This wasn’t one of em.

Come back tomorrow– split with Shohei on the mound and move on to Colorado.

Last edited 1 year ago by Pineapple12