This is really starting to get old. As per usual, the Angels had plenty of opportunities to score runs, but as per usual, they didn’t cash them in. Rubby De La Rosa looked terrific as a result, when he probably should’ve been knocked out of the game early.
It is all starting to add up to legitimate concern growing around an Angels team that looked like the best team in baseball before the break. They should still be fine, or at least that is what I keep telling myself as I stare hopefully at the Baseball Prospectus playoff odds.
Run Expectancy Rundown
Mike Trout and Kole Calhoun held up their end of the bargain, but nobody else did. It is almost like having Erick Aybar bat clean-up was a bad idea or something. Chris Iannetta obviously had to play after Conger caught much of the marathon game, but this was a good reminder that Iannetta needs to be sheltered from right-handed pitching.
The Angels were given the gift of a Papi-less lineup, but couldn’t take advantage. Well, actually they did. Boston didn’t hit at all. They just had one big hit. ONE. Sadly, that was all they needed.
Starting Pitcher Scores
It wasn’t the hardest match-up, but Hector Santiago looked legitimately good in this game. It doesn’t seem like he has ever pitched all that well, but his ERA is now a very respectable 3.59 ERA. I can’t explain it. As good as Santiago was, Rubby De La Rosa was just as good… I think. I’m not sure if he was that good or the Angels were just that inept. Probably a little from column A and a little from column B.
Bullpen Battle
Oh, Joe Smith. He hadn’t given up a run or a homer since June 22nd. Both those streaks ended in one unfortunate swing. Vinnie Pestano looked good in his Angels debut. But that doesn’t matter. What matters is that the Angels bullpen has been a big reason the Angels have kept their head above water since the break, but they just can’t do it every night.
Game Flow
The Angels clearly had their chances, but just couldn’t cash any of them in. It was there for the taking more than once, but the Red LOBsters continued to plague the lineup.
Halo A-Hole
Why couldn’t you just be perfect, Joe? Say it ain’t so!
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