So, now that Kikuchi has a pitching win, what is noteworthy about him anymore? He’s not been exactly the most successful SP acquisition. He has had quite a few QS. That’s cool I guess.
He will need another one to get his second win the way this team has been hitting as of late. Actually, he was the last Angel to get a win. Coincidence? Anyway he went 5 innings giving up 1 run on 4 hits striking out 4 and walking 5. Not a quality start. But not bad? That’s a lot of walks. But only 1 run.
Highlighted Recap
Kikuchi has a rough first inning. Bases loaded and all. That he only allowed 1 run was fortunate.
It was the only run he gave up in his 5 innings. But it was also the only run in the game for a long time. So much that when Stephenson came in, it was still 1-0 MFY. And yes, THAT Stephenson. The “hasn’t played since 2023” Stephenson. And he came in and struck out 2 and got a foul out in under 15 pitches.
In all seriousness, the bullpen did a good job. After Stephenson, Ryan Zeferjahn got through the 7th without a run striking out Judge, Detmers got through the 8th, and Burke got it to TBD bottom of the ninth still 1-0. Good pitching, no offense. Very frustrating.
Anyway Angels do jack and lose 1-0. Their 5th loss in a row.
Upcoming
No game tomorrow. The Angels go to Ohio this weekend, leaving California for the first time since April.
