The definition of an Ace is one that trumps all. One that, when in a losing streak, stops it. The pitcher that gives even the most woeful offenses hope that a win can, no, WILL happen. Soriano has been praised by both Angels fans and others that he is not just an Ace, but a Cy Young frontrunner for this season. It was time to prove it.
Soriano went 5 innings, giving up no runs on 7 hits, striking out 4 and walking none. Was that Ace material? Did that prove to the holdouts that Soriano is indeed an Ace? Some will say he did not even have a Quality Start. Others will point to his 0.24 ERA being the lowest in MLB history since 1913 through 6 starts as being worthy. But he did not even pitch 90 pitches, is that really an Ace? This is a good discussion, as this is his 2nd worst start of the season out of 6. And if THIS is the worst? Certainly he is an Ace.
Anyway, how about the bats? They have been MIA for a while. After not hitting a home run since Friday, the Angels hit 2 today, finally scoring more than 2 runs for the first time since Friday. The bats are alright, today at least.
Highlight Recap
The Angels struck first, with a bases loaded 3rd leading to a sac fly.
Then, in the 4th, Nolan heard what Jeff Joiner was saying in the postgame last night and blasted a home run.
Mike Trout joined in on the fun, hitting a home run in the 5th.
Now, if Soriano is an ace, your reaction should be “Ballgame”. A 3-0 lead is as good as gold. Then again, bullpens exist and the Angels’ haven’t had a good one this year. Making them get 12 outs when your best pitcher started is not something you want to have to do.
Like in the 7th as a walk, double, and groundout put the Hays on the board.
And a double scores another…
A single ruins Soriano’s start, as the game is now tied.
The offense needs to score, and score a lot to even have a chance at a win. Who could possibly do this? Nolan of course!
A wild pitch and a dropped ball means another run, a BLITZ FOR THE HALOS!
With a 4 run lead in the 9th, Romano came in to finish the game. WHY? Look, vet or no, he has lost 2 games already and hasn’t been good since 2023. Maybe a 4 run lead was enough to win, but man, this move is not a popular one. Angels won though, so all is well.
Upcoming
After an off day tomorrow, the Royals are next, then the White Sox in a midwest road trip.
