Boxscore Breakdown #101: Settle down – Astros 3, Angels 0

Look, we all know what happened in this game. We all know what happened in this series. We should all know that there is no cause for alarm, emphasis  on “should.” Not nearly enough Angels fans demonstrated that after this game as the panic from the fan base was palpable. This was no doubt a feeling that had its flames fanned by the winds of the Carlos Gomez trade before the game, but even with that development, let’s all just take a deep breath, settle down and remember that the Angels are a mere two games back in the AL West with two months to play and have a four game cushion for a wild card spot. This sweep and recent slump isn’t fun, but it isn’t any reason to start freaking out. Settle down, people.

Astros 3, Angels 0

Run Expectancy Rundown
[googleapps domain=”docs” dir=”spreadsheets/d/149Y94Tkkp1cl06rsI9Fby5yq_njq6BcR2X53xMHgkUY/pubchart” query=”oid=1976391661&format=interactive” width=”623″ height=”389″ /] The Angels had to feel good about getting Mike Trout back, but they probably weren’t counting on him bringing up the rear in RE24. His strikeout in the 8th inning when it seemed like the obvious move to intentionally walk him was particularly disappointing.

[googleapps domain=”docs” dir=”spreadsheets/d/149Y94Tkkp1cl06rsI9Fby5yq_njq6BcR2X53xMHgkUY/pubchart” query=”oid=1154832181&format=interactive” width=”620″ height=”341″ /] Jason Castro had a big day? I DIDN’T NOTICE. Preston Tucker had a solid day, too. At least Shoemaker finally put the clamps on Jose Altuve, so I guess that is a small consolation prize, pun intended.

Starting Pitcher Scores
[googleapps domain=”docs” dir=”spreadsheets/d/149Y94Tkkp1cl06rsI9Fby5yq_njq6BcR2X53xMHgkUY/pubchart” query=”oid=161400381&format=interactive” width=”584″ height=”293″ /] Matt Shoemaker and Scott Kazmir were both terrific. Shoemaker definitely made the impending Weaver decision a very difficult one that the Halos will almost certainly foul up.

Bullpen Battle
[googleapps domain=”docs” dir=”spreadsheets/d/149Y94Tkkp1cl06rsI9Fby5yq_njq6BcR2X53xMHgkUY/pubchart” query=”oid=1141913419&format=interactive” width=”620″ height=”315″ /] Neshek saved the day for Houston. Fernando Salas and Jose Alvarez, not so much for the Angels.

Game Flow
[googleapps domain=”docs” dir=”spreadsheets/d/149Y94Tkkp1cl06rsI9Fby5yq_njq6BcR2X53xMHgkUY/pubchart” query=”oid=41272350&format=interactive” width=”619″ height=”315″ /] The Angels had one real shot at winning this game and blew it. The Astros didn’t.

Halo A-Hole

Scioscia bringing in Salas in that spot was definitely just him trying to make it clear to the front office that they need to trade for another reliever, right?