Angels have not been good. But somehow been even worse in the 2nd half this season. 5 wins since the All Star Game. That is it. 5. And the last 2 ended on a bad strike 3 call. So, could a 6th win happen today? Or will this be yet another pathetic sweep of the team?
Ryan Johnson had the bump today. He did not last long, he went 4 and 2/3 innings, giving up 1 run on 3 hits, striking out 1 and walking 5. Not even 80 pitches for a SP, ugh. This gutted bullpen had to now pitch even more than usual.
But hey, at least the Angels bats scored more than 2 runs this time. The Angels have scored 2 or fewer runs 9 times in the 2nd half ALONE. It is August 6th. Neto’s home run did a lot of the heavy lifting, and the team once again relying on the long ball is not so good, especially when the Angels have slipped to 21st in number of home runs hit. Remember when they were in the top 5?
Highlighted Recap
Neto hit his 20th home run of the year in the 3rd inning.
O’s get one back immediately on a home run of their own.
It could have been worse, but our new catcher Ballesteros threw out a runner!
Johnson left in the 5th inning, and the defense continued to save the pitching as Lowe slid to make a catch in no man’s land.
O’s mistakes continue to save the Angels, with a balk setting up a sac fly in the 7th.
It was only the 2nd time the Angels took advantage all game as they had 14 baserunners and somehow only scored in 2 innings. Part of that is just bad luck, like a Meckler liner that was caught by the bullfrog.
Somehow, someway, this bullpen was keeping the lead, even as they were depleted. Part of that was because the defense again saved them, even if Lowe and Siri collided with each other in the 8th.
Natera jr came in for the last out of the 8th, and while he gave up a hit, and threw a wild pitch, luck was on the Angels side as it bounced right into the glove of BALL and the runner was thrown out at home!
Staying for the 9th was Natera jr and he pulled off the 4 out save! Angels win!
Upcoming
Off to Miami, where 3 early games await. And then back home for Rangers and Royals.
