Angels Clobber Rays 11-1

April 10, 2025

It was a morning game for the Angels, hoping to win their 4th series to start the season, they turned to Jose Soriano. He went 7 and 2/3 innings, giving up 1 runs on 5 hits, striking out 4 and walking 3. Good job.

Statistically, this was good

But today wasn’t about pitching, or defense, or anything like that. It was about DINGRZ. Home run after home run today, circling the bases and giving people hope. Jo Adell in particular was exciting, hitting 2 home runs in the 5th! But Ward also hit 2 of his own, and even Mike Trout got in on it! Triple double! Err, Home Run! 3 x 2 Home Runs!

Highlighted Recap

Taylor Ward struck first with a leadoff home run to start the game!

1-0 Angels

In the 2nd, the Angels added another run with an RBI double by Nolan.

2-0 Angels

Unfortunately, Soriano gave up a run in the 4th off of 2 solid hits.

2-1 Angels

That was fine, since Jo Adell got that run right back in the 5th!

3-1 Angels

And Taylor Ward hit his second of the day as well.

5-1 Angels

But wait! There is more! Mike Trout got one as well!

7-1 Angels

You know what, go for 10. Jo Adell agrees and hits his second home run of the inning!

10-1 Angels!

That is 4 Home runs in the inning, wow!

Adell hit 2 home runs, Ward hit 2 home runs, what about Trout? Well, in the 9th, he did as well.

11-1 Angels

Soriano went deep, (7 and 2/3 innings) and the bullpen got the last 4 easy outs for a very satisfying Angels Win! They won their first 4 series of the year for the first time since 2018!

Upcoming

The Angels go over to Houston for 3 games this weekend before going to the other Texas team in the Rangers. 6 more road games in the next 7 days. But hey, at least they are division games.

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LittleCupcakes

8 days ago

This victory moved the Angels’ run differential to positive territory. They are now alone in that in the AL West.

The Angels have scored 20 more runs than first-place Texas (in one fewer game) and have given up three more runs.

You know, pythag and all that rot.

Super Member

JackFrost

8 days ago

Reply to LittleCupcakes

How many times do I have to say it; run differential means very, very little. I mean, you wouldn’t want your team to be last in that, but any where in the middle is fine. Most MLB games are not blowouts anyway. The important thing is that your team knows how to win close games and is good at winning close games. Give me the best record in close games and I’ll take that any day of the week.

Newbie

LittleCupcakes

7 days ago

Reply to JackFrost

Well, I was writing more in the vein of the positive RD as a “milestone marker” and (obviously failing) to make a funny by referencing the old-timey HH Pythag meme from the early Scioscia years (the Angels often outperformed Pythag way back in those long-ago times).

But hey, I’m with you. I also prefer the amount of wins rather than a solid run differential. I also prefer wins to the amount of homers, shutouts, and total bases.

I also prefer using run differential instead of 1-run-margin wins to predict (or describe) the quality of a team. Close games are statistically noisy with a more significant luck factor, and so I don’t take them (and the related “clutchiness”) overly seriously as a predictive or descriptive statistic of a team’s inherent quality level.

But of course I love them wins most of all, no matter their fashion!!

Legend

GrandpaBaseball

8 days ago

Dang doctor appointments missed game although watching the rerun game and topped off the day with leaking water heater. So happy for the team and having 3 guys Homer with one 2 in same inning is impressive indeed. Soriano is a stud, in a minor league park not allowing much in the air. DP’s all over the place. Keep it going Angels, keep it going Boys.

Super Member

Jim Atkins

8 days ago

Just watched the 5th inning. (Angels games on cable here in Hawaii!). They made it look so easy!

Trusted Member

ErSTAN

8 days ago

Reply to Jim Atkins

I owe my employer some money back after today. Not very productive from 10-12:30.

Legend

Cowboy26

8 days ago

Reply to ErSTAN

Well we wont tell him if you dont.

Trusted Member

ErSTAN

8 days ago

Reply to Cowboy26

Shiiiii. Snitches get stitches…Im a government employee. Only person who can unfairly fire me is Trump. 😳

Legend

WallyChuckChili

8 days ago

Super Member

BannedInLA

8 days ago

Adell’s homers were both majestic and Trout’s 2nd jack was perfect. When he’s hitting C-to-Right Center, he’s locked in.

Member

Trout_is_my_Bestie

8 days ago

It’s hard not to fantasize about this potential lineup:

Paris 2B
Rengifo 3B
Trout RF
Ward LF
Soler DH
O’Hoppe C
Schanuel 1B
Neto SS
Adell CF

Apart from Paris and Trout at the top of the order and Adell at the bottom, everyone else feels interchangeable at many spots in the order, which is a good thing! I don’t foresee many black holes in the lineup this year.

Super Member

Angelz4ever

8 days ago

Reply to Trout_is_my_Bestie

Next season, if we keep Neeeefo, Moore rotates in/through DH with the regulars-Like Edmonds/Erstad/Salmon/Anderson did.

Last edited 8 days ago by Angelz4ever

Super Member

Roy Hobbs

8 days ago

Reply to Angelz4ever

Moore is not even an accomplished minor league hitter yet, much less a major league one. I would not be shocked to not see Moore on the opening day roster next year. It’s a long year so a lot can change. I don’t know what the chances are of keeping Rengifo.

Legend

gitchogritchoffmypettis

8 days ago

Reply to Roy Hobbs

Well, thus far he’s hitting .091. But then, what would you expect from a guy cheap Arte had stupid Perry draft overslot to save money?

Super Member

Roy Hobbs

8 days ago

Reply to gitchogritchoffmypettis

I’m not saying anything other than he has some hitting weaknesses to overcome and he’s working on that. I hope he’s successful. I have no idea how he will turn out nor am I predicting anything. But, at this point, looking at him in college, and last year and this year, He has yet to provide any evidence for immediate success or being in the majors next year. That could change starting tomorrow. If he’s all ready to go and be a starter in 2027, I would be thrilled.

Legend

gitchogritchoffmypettis

8 days ago

Reply to Roy Hobbs

Watch out for that chasm broseph

Editor

Super Member

Turk's Teeth

8 days ago

Reply to Trout_is_my_Bestie

For all the lineups posted around these parts, surprised very few place Rengifo at leadoff. He really does have some of his best numbers there.

Career splits
First batter of the game: .275/.351/.549
Leading off an inning: .278/.344/.460
Batting first in the lineup: .284/.327/.500

Career OPS is a touch below .700 in the two-spot – not his best situational post. Career OPS north of .800 at leadoff, three-hole and cleanup. (He has his worst numbers batting 6-9.)

Rengifo clearly thrives being part of the action. (Though there’s always a little circularity in these arguments, as he’s probably in cycles of underperformance when he’s dropped lower in the order.)

Super Member

Roy Hobbs

8 days ago

Reply to Turk's Teeth

I agree, I actually like him at lead off.

Member

Trout_is_my_Bestie

8 days ago

Reply to Turk's Teeth

Great observation! I just saw a career OBP of .312 and assumed he wouldn’t get on base enough to bat first.

Moving Paris to the #2 hole also provides him the protection of batting in front of Trout, which should help maximize his potential.

Legend

gitchogritchoffmypettis

8 days ago

Reply to Turk's Teeth

Stats. So lame.

Trusted Member

Born_in_59

8 days ago

Reply to gitchogritchoffmypettis

Yet it’s what we have to work with, unless you’re like those managers into grit, veteran instinct and gut feelings.

Super Member

Roy Hobbs

8 days ago

Reply to Born_in_59

Wash does. I don’t get the idea he’s a numbers guy even though he’s been exposed to it. Some people still believe baseball is 70% pitching.

Legend

gitchogritchoffmypettis

8 days ago

Reply to Born_in_59

I prefer to listen to my heart

Super Member

BannedInLA

8 days ago

Reply to Turk's Teeth

And he has good speed. I hate seeing “slow” guys bat leadoff.

Super Member

JackFrost

8 days ago

Reply to Turk's Teeth

I actually did suggest this the other day TT. Two or three people immediately countered that it was a bad idea based on last year’s numbers. I pointed out that his OBP this season is better and it is a new year.

Legend

Cowboy26

8 days ago

Reply to Turk's Teeth

Yep but how much of that was done left handed Turks? It’s definitely skewed by his abnormal platoon splits. I’m sure the Angels have data and it’s less appealing against RHPs

Super Member

JackFrost

8 days ago

Reply to Trout_is_my_Bestie

Having Neto batting 8th is a pretty dangerous lineup. I’d venture to say no team has a number 8 hitter that good.

Trusted Member

DMAGZ13

8 days ago

Reply to Trout_is_my_Bestie

I would love to see this
Rengifo
Paris
Trout
Soler
Neto
O’Hoppe
Schanuel
Ward
Adell

Super Member

BannedInLA

8 days ago

Reply to DMAGZ13

I get the temptation to move Paris up in the order but, why ratchet up the pressure when he’s doing fine where he’s at? I’d let Neto bat 2nd once he’s acclimated.

Super Member

Angelz4ever

8 days ago

Reposting up here to foster abusive retorts, LOL

I think the following would be good over cap MLB penalties with teeth:
First offense, no changes to current penalties
Second offense, double international $ penalty and lose second round draft pick and ineligible to offering QOs
Third offense, lose first & second round draft pick, lose all international $, ineligible to offering QOs
Fourth offense, lose 1st-3rd draft picks, lose all international $, ineligible to offering QOs, some form of free agency signing restriction.
Fifth offense, really!?
Also, for those teams (Dodgers) that play the game of being over two years, then pause a year, then go two more, to avoid a third penalty:
Example: 2023 & 2024 over limit, salary dump in 2025, go back over in 2026, it should revert to 2nd offense status effective the 2026 season. One under season only removes one over season.
It’s not gonna happen though as, just like no traveling calls in the NBA, money is being made, thus no negative changes will be made, and the MLBPA is one of the strongest unions in the world.

Super Member

Angelz4ever

8 days ago

I’m still kinda numb, though still early season, but nice to feel off-balance with the team doing so well.

Beating up on the Asstros this weekend will make me feel much better. 😀

Go Halos!

Legend

Mia

8 days ago

I’m still waiting for Lucy to pull the football away…

Been burned too many times. But this is the best Angels baseball in years.

Just please let it last and everyone stays relatively healthy.

Legend

Cowboy26

8 days ago

Reply to Mia

Rec x 10

Super Member

Roy Hobbs

8 days ago

Reply to Mia

I don’t think that will happen if you’re realistic which Believe you are. The team is both better than many of us expected and they have had some luck as well. Been pretty injury free so far and the injuries will come. Our depth is fairly minimal so the injuries may Impact things. We have had outstanding pitching so far which is not likely to go on all year. it will be a mix. Considering our division, it would not be a miracle if we won it, but it will be a challenge for us to finish ahead of Texas. Everything is going right for us right now so we should enjoy it while it lasts. A lot of things that have occurred so far may not continue but other good things will happen. It’s a long season, It will be nice to see how the draft goes and how the expected trades go as well as to watch the minor leaguers. There is reason to be optimistic going forward into next year and the year after.

Super Member

JackFrost

8 days ago

Reply to Roy Hobbs

Agree about the pitching. I have a hard time believing that Hendricks and Anderson will continue to pitch as well as they have. But as I suggested a few weeks back, if one is demoted to long relief then maybe Detmers can step in and grab the bull by the horns ??

Legend

DowningDude

8 days ago

Reply to Mia

We sure are a bunch of blockheads.

Legend

WallyChuckChili

8 days ago

Reply to Mia

I always thought you were Lucy.

Legend

Fansince1971

8 days ago

Great game. Great series.

Super Member

smithy610

8 days ago

Last year the Angels couldn’t even beat the teams they should beat – White Sox went 4-2 against the Angels.

So it’s refreshing to see them beat decent teams, and beat them convincingly. Even last night’s loss was very close until the end.

This team is fun to watch. About time we do good on veteran signings and catch a break from the forever-maligned farm system.

Legend

Twebur

8 days ago

EAT IT DOYERS

MLB considering pushing for a salary cap, per report

https://x.com/mikehuntley63/status/1910402914902040986

Super Member

JackFrost

8 days ago

Reply to Twebur

In a sense it is too late; Ohtani, Freeman, Yamamoto etc are already on the Dodgers. That can’t be undone.

Legend

Cowboy26

8 days ago

Reply to JackFrost

I Disagree on this one Frosty. If the cap is established, give teams a year or so to comply it would then force violating teams to shed salary in the near term which may in turn prevent them from re-signing their young talent before free agency if they want to keep the older players.

I’m actually more in favor of massively stronger penalties for going over the thresholds than as much as a hard cap. And certainly wouldn’t mind a floor if it is needed. Although I dont see baseball ever making this work unless they can agree to more realistic revenue sharing.

Super Member

JackFrost

8 days ago

Reply to Cowboy26

I would take the hard cap because I don’t think even strong penaties would deter the Guggenheim group and any future owners with that mindset and those deep pockets.

Super Member

Angelz4ever

8 days ago

Reply to JackFrost

I think the following would be good over cap MLB penalties with teeth:

First offense, no changes to current penalties
Second offense, double international $ penalty and lose second round draft pick and ineligible to offering QOs
Third offense, lose first & second round draft pick, lose all international $, ineligible to offering QOs
Fourth offense, lose 1st-3rd draft picks, lose all international $, ineligible to offering QOs, some form of free agency signing restriction.
Fifth offense, really!?

Also, for those teams (Dodgers) that play the game of being over two years, then pause a year, then go two more, to avoid a third penalty:

Example: 2023 & 2024 over limit, salary dump in 2025, go back over in 2026, it should revert to 2nd offense status effective the 2026 season. One under season only removes one over season.

It’s not gonna happen though as, just like no traveling calls in the NBA, money is being made, thus no negative changes will be made, and the MLBPA is one of the strongest unions in the world.

Last edited 8 days ago by Angelz4ever

Super Member

Angelz4ever

8 days ago

Reply to Cowboy26

I disagree with your disagree…LOL

MLB cannot undue an (At the time) lawful contract, and lawful (Lack of) ramifications, it will grandfather.

Editor

Super Member

Turk's Teeth

8 days ago

Reply to Twebur

As long as it includes a salary floor, I’m an attentive listener to the argument. Spending constraints work reasonably well for the draft.

(I also think there should be a floor for systemic farm investment, but that’s me.)

Super Member

ihearhowie3.0

8 days ago

Reply to Turk's Teeth

100% – NHL has a floor and it makes for some interesting maneuvering when you *have* to take on some salary.

Legend

Cowboy26

8 days ago

Reply to ihearhowie3.0

(I also think there should be a floor for systemic farm investment, but that’s me.)

I have hard a time with this one TT. As stoopid as it may seem, If Scrooge McNutting and Evil Arte want to serve their minor leaguers Wish Sandwiches and put them up in clown houses that should be their prerogative. (Provided they aint breaking any laws of course) Its their team so if they are too ignorant to realize how this detrimentally affects their franchise’s success they can mire in their own Perennial losing.

Like it or not for fans but there will always be winners and losers. Unfortunately we’ve been on the losing end now for quite awhile. But we certainly aren’t alone. Go talk to a Manchester United Fan about their team and the Glazer family. And thats a sports league that has relegation.

Editor

Super Member

Turk's Teeth

8 days ago

Reply to Cowboy26

It’s as simple as strengthening an embryonic minor league players union, and advocating for better wages and benefits. If one can normalize a player’s union at the MLB level, why not normalize a strengthened MiLB players union?

There are many nations around the world that support collective bargaining, and the strongest period of manufacturing in this nation coincided with strong worker’s unions. I’m not a Randian billionaires win because natural law blah blah guy. I get that’s not a traditional OC take. But sorry – screw celebration of cruelty for cruelty’s sake. Gonna advocate for the little guy until I die.

Legend

gitchogritchoffmypettis

8 days ago

Reply to Turk's Teeth

Would a players union in the MiLB really fix investment in the farm, or just pay players more? I only have my limited experience looking at a couple clubs and then my past teammates/friends who made it to pro ball. So I’m not sure this is how it always works.

But it seems like MiLB teams rosters are under the MLB teams control. Everything else is a cat wrangle. The city owns the stadium and it’s facilities and can switch teams out. The MLB team can move. If they are rich they can build their own thing like the Doyers. The MiLB org handles where some players live, usually shared housing. Another pile of bonus babies get their own place. The MLB/MiLB clubs AND the stadium or host city (sometimes) handle food and supplements to an extent. Players also buy their own food, with again bonus babies eating better and getting better vitamins and crap. Facilities, med staff, training rooms, weight rooms, locker rooms…. some MLB teams can pay into that and upgrade, some teams can’t because they have no say in what happens to the building they don’t own…. it’s a mess.

Of course the best thing would be for an MLB team to just own their MiLB clubs and facilities…. there are a handful of MiLB clubs owned by the parent club like the Tampa Yankees. But that’s a big ask….

Legend

Senator_John_Blutarsky

8 days ago

Reply to Twebur

Although the NBA and NFL salary caps haven’t prevented “super teams” from being built.

Super Member

TrojanBoiler

8 days ago

Reply to Senator_John_Blutarsky

I don’t agree that the NFL has ever had super teams built unfairly through free agency. Teams that are well-constructed have the opportunity to augment their already-good roster with smart additions and salary cap maneuvering but its nowhere close to what the Dodgers are doing in baseball right now.

The NFL maintains a pretty high level of competitive parity year after year, IMO. Of course there will be teams that are better than everyone else, that’s how sport works.

Now in the NBA, I agree you do see elite players team up occasionally, but those rosters are usually more of the stars and scrubs variety. Still not quite as egregious as what the Dodgers have been able to do this year.

Legend

gitchogritchoffmypettis

8 days ago

Reply to TrojanBoiler

Yah. NFL losers are where they are because they royally screwd up. Not because they get outspent by the better teams.

Legend

Eric_in_Portland

8 days ago

Reply to gitchogritchoffmypettis

Yes, NFL teams lose because they let Saquan Barkley leave and instead sign Daniel Jones to a huge contract. If you’re curious, my NFL team is the Giants. Could you tell?

Legend

gitchogritchoffmypettis

8 days ago

Reply to Twebur

Please YES! Though I think a salary FLOOR is even more important.

Trusted Member

BruinsAngelsKings

8 days ago

Reply to Twebur

No way the union agrees to a salary cap.

Super Member

Angelz4ever

8 days ago

Reply to Twebur

Honestly, it doesn’t matter in the short term as former Halo employee #17, and other deferred contracts, are going to grandfather in. No way they retroactively enforce it. Besides, the new CBA is not that far off, and I think we all agree the MLBPA have a different view than the league on deferred contracts.

Super Member

AnAngelsFan

8 days ago

I feel like the Angels tend to do poorly against TB, so it’s really nice to win this series.

Super Member

clover_black

8 days ago

Reply to AnAngelsFan

The Guardians have also owned the Angels throughout the years.

Legend

Twebur

8 days ago

We are so badass now, our plane has already landed in Houston after entering Texas air space…..on our hopium fuled time traveling space jet, after having our way in Tampa. Onward and upward!

https://x.com/Rainmaker1973/status/1910377456286028125

Legend

Cowboy26

8 days ago

Reply to Twebur

Houston YOU have a problem.

Super Member

MarineLayer

8 days ago

Reply to Cowboy26

I hope you’re right.

Super Member

tanana40

8 days ago

Well this is fun. For the first time in many years, the Angels are on my mind throughout the day and the game is a central part of my day. I know, I know, it’s early but let’s enjoy this for now.

Editor

Trusted Member

Rick Souddress

8 days ago

Reply to tanana40

Same. It’s been a good few years now since I last felt like I obsessively need to read articles about baseball all day

Super Member

Pineapple12

8 days ago

Reply to Rick Souddress

I’ve watched Adell’s HRs on loop for the last 3 hours lol

Legend

DowningDude

8 days ago

Reply to Pineapple12

I’m sitting down to catch the replay of the game as I was busy in the salt mines earlier.

Member

dwood78

8 days ago

After a disastrous season, it’s just great to see The Halos showing that they mean business 2 weeks into 2025 & winning every series thus far. But the thing is, can they keep it up? I long for the day they that become “Astros-proof” as in the next team they’re going to face. The Angels gotta start getting them team in check if it wants to stay high in the AL West standings. I don’t ever wanna see what happened last season repeat itself!

Member

Kevin

8 days ago

Reply to dwood78

We will see. Of course, the other issue is against Houston the rotation is the 3-4-5 starters which isn’t exactly ideal. Hopefully they are meeting the same tier for the Astros.

Editor

Super Member

Charles Sutton

8 days ago

Reply to Kevin

Houston has a lot of pitchers on TJ or shoulder recovery and that one guy who just broke his thumb. The Angels might be catching them at a good time.

Framber is still OK, though.

Super Member

JackFrost

8 days ago

Reply to Charles Sutton

Framber has been very good so far this year …He had one bad outing and two fantastic outings.

Last edited 8 days ago by JackFrost

Member

willb

8 days ago

Great summary! Let’s do this more often.

Trusted Member

Mikeal1st

8 days ago

Do we have a real ACE?

Super Member

MarineLayer

8 days ago

Reply to Mikeal1st

I think we do. At the very least, we have an excellent front end starter.

Super Member

Roy Hobbs

8 days ago

Reply to MarineLayer

Ultimately, we need an ace and Soriano or Soriano and a solid #2 to go with the rest of our starters.

Legend

Cowboy26

8 days ago

Reply to Roy Hobbs

Will Jamie Arnold be ready by October?

Super Member

MarineLayer

8 days ago

Reply to Roy Hobbs

I agree. It feels like it’s been a while since we’ve had a legit #2 so I’m happy we have Soriano. I’d be confident starting him in any playoff game. (Did I just say playoff game in connection with the Angels?)

Super Member

JackFrost

8 days ago

Reply to MarineLayer

Except Soriano is OUR #1. It would be great if we had a true ace and he was our # 2.

Super Member

matthiasstephan

8 days ago

Reply to JackFrost

Everytime this framing comes around, I ask how many ‘true aces’ are there in the league right now?

Legend

gitchogritchoffmypettis

8 days ago

Reply to matthiasstephan

He’s not Skubal…. so not an ace. I usually look to see if a guy is top 20 in starter WAR and WHIP. If he is, he’s an ace.

Super Member

matthiasstephan

8 days ago

Reply to gitchogritchoffmypettis

That means you likely never had more than half the league with an ace (and at most 20 players if WAR and WHIP align).

Super Member

JackFrost

8 days ago

Reply to matthiasstephan

Probably, that is correct.

Super Member

JackFrost

8 days ago

Reply to JackFrost

There might on any given year be 10 or fewer Aces. This year it might be less…. That is why they are so valuable and worth paying for ….

Especially in the playoffs their importance becomes so apparent and obvious.

Last edited 8 days ago by JackFrost

Legend

gitchogritchoffmypettis

8 days ago

Reply to JackFrost

So…. really we don’t need an ace and a couple #2s (in your book) would be fine. Honestly, an entire staff of Soriano and four un-injured Joe Musgroves would probably have a shot at making it to the WS.

Super Member

Roy Hobbs

8 days ago

Reply to gitchogritchoffmypettis

I agree, another Soriano with what we already have would be formidable.

Legend

Senator_John_Blutarsky

8 days ago

Reply to Mikeal1st

It would seem we have a #2, a #3 and a bunch of #4’s and #5’s

As long as they are winning, it just don’t matter!

Legend

Twebur

8 days ago

Reply to Senator_John_Blutarsky

Better than the WSC 2002 team?

Super Member

MarineLayer

8 days ago

Reply to Twebur

Yeah, what we had there was an absolutely fantastic bullpen.

Super Member

TrojanBoiler

8 days ago

Reply to Senator_John_Blutarsky

This.

Solid talent and rotation depth but maybe not as elite as you’d like to see. Especially when you think of playoff teams that have a loaded 3 man rotation.