The Angels are the last team without 40 wins this season. It is a pathetic reminder that this is indeed the worst team in MLB this year. But as we hopelessly watch on, other teams remind us that, hey, MAYBE things can get better. The Red Sox have won 13 straight, going from worst in the AL East to a playoff contender, and the O’s have won 7 straight. Considering how many of the Angels losses have been close…
Alas, I would not hold my breath. While this team has done some good things sometimes, even drafting good for once, expecting anything good as long as Arte owns the team is foolish. Still, it WOULD be so Angels to have a good stretch right before the trade deadline to make the FO think this is a real contender…
To start any win streak though, we need good SP, which we have seen before this series. Ryan Johnson was the SP today though, and while the first batter made it seem like a repeat of yesterday, he did end up being solid. He went 5 innings, giving up 1 run on 2 hits, striking out 5 and walking 3. Color me impressed, that is a good start. Although, it meant the bullpen had to pitch 4 innings and… yeah.
Highlighted Recap
Tigers jumped Ryan Johnson, hitting a leadoff home run to start the game.
But this was just an outlier, as Johnson would only give up 1 more hit all game. And besides the Angels tied it up in the 2nd anyway.
What also helped was that the Tigers SP had to leave early due to a comebacker.
And the Angels made the bullpen pay. By getting only 1 run despite loading the bases in the 5th with no outs.
Neto added on in the 6th with a single.
The bullpen was doing good as well. Which was highly suspicious. The Angels needed more runs. They did not. But, they did win 5 ABS challenges today. So, there was that.
Zefferjahn came in to close. And gave up a home run.
See, THIS is why I said moar runz. Despite all odds, the Angels DID manage to win!
Upcoming
Angels stay in CA for the rest of July, as they host the Cards next, then go to SF, and then back home through the Trade Deadline.
