The Detroit Tigers are one of the best teams in Major League Baseball. The Angels are a clear tier below them.
So while the Angels were able to play the Tigers close across the first two games, splitting them, eventually the class difference was going to be apparent. And that happened today.
Jack Kochanowicz had a miserable outing, getting tagged for 7 runs in just 3 innings. He allowed 10 hits, one of which left the yard, and 2 walks. 12 baserunners divided by 3 innings is a WHIP of 4.
Detroit was up 7-0 after 3 innings. Yogi Berra once described Yankee Stadium’s outfield’s creeping shadows by saying “it gets late early out there.” The same phrase applies to a game like today’s.
In looking the the positives for the Angels, Nolan Schanuel had a multi hit game including a 2 run blast in the top of the 5th inning.
Nolan is having a really nice offensive season. With a little glovework over the off season, he could turn into a truly valuable player.
Honestly, I can live without the power if Nolan can become a guy who plays good defense, gets on base a ton, and limits his strikeouts. He’s currently doing 2 of the 3 and those are generally considered the most difficult 2.
Of note, the Schanuel home run scored 2 runs because Bryce Teodosio worked a walk and was on 1st base when the ball sailed over the wall.
Carson Fulmer made his case to replace Silent C in the rotation by going 5 innings allowing 2 runs. Had he started the game, the Angels would’ve been tied 2-2 after 5 innings.
Luis Rengifo added a two run shot in the top of the 8th to cut the Tigers lead to 9-5, which proved to be the final score.
Up next, a blue invasion at the Big A as the Angels host the Freeway Series.
