This one had all the makings of a fitting end to the Angels’ 2015 season. You had the huge miscue to let the other team back into the game, the offensive disappearing in the mid-innings, the weird bullpen maneuvering that led to an overworked pitcher throwing in a high-leverage spot, and a managing blunder that allowed the go-ahead run to reach base (and eventually score). After seven innings, the game was playing out like a perfect microcosm of the season so far.
But then David Freese stepped up to the plate in the eighth, and here we are again talking about the Angels sneaking into that final wild card spot. I’m as befuddled as you are. Even Freese, who’s no stranger to season-saving hits, seemed surprised when that ball landed out of the reach of Colby Rasmus‘ glove for a double.
I’ve written this team off several times over the last few weeks, but I think it’s finally time to just buckle in and enjoy the ride. The Angels have 10 tries left to make up 1½ games on the Astros, with six games coming at home. Should make for an exciting end of September.
Run Expectancy Rundown
[googleapps domain=”docs” dir=”spreadsheets/d/1G-pkmtKp0UMGseh8BZqLX1uTK7Xf9L7YXODgyL2JPW8/pubchart” query=”oid=1976391661&format=interactive” width=”623″ height=”389″ /]Freese will get all the glory but it was Carlos Perez‘s subsequent single up the middle that ended up being the real game-winner, so he deserves his due. Mike Trout had another multi-hit effort, his third in the last week. Kole Calhoun‘s solo dinger was his first extra-base hit since September 9. Cross your fingers he’s finally coming out of that slump.
[googleapps domain=”docs” dir=”spreadsheets/d/1G-pkmtKp0UMGseh8BZqLX1uTK7Xf9L7YXODgyL2JPW8/pubchart” query=”oid=1154832181&format=interactive” width=”620″ height=”341″ /]George Springer‘s two-out, two-RBI triple in the seventh was the Astros’ biggest hit of the season… until it wasn’t. Jed Lowrie again had a chance to play the ninth-inning hero against the Angels, but came up short.
Starting Pitcher Scores
[googleapps domain=”docs” dir=”spreadsheets/d/1G-pkmtKp0UMGseh8BZqLX1uTK7Xf9L7YXODgyL2JPW8/pubchart” query=”oid=161400381&format=interactive” width=”584″ height=”293″ /]Nick Tropeano wasn’t very efficient Wednesday, but he pitched better than his 4⅓ innings suggests. If not for Erick Aybar‘s wide throw to second in the fifth, the Tropedo probably makes it through five scoreless. Mike Fiers struggled with his control early, but turned it around and ended up with a quality start. Would’ve probably had a win too if it wasn’t for that meddling bullpen.
Bullpen Battle
[googleapps domain=”docs” dir=”spreadsheets/d/1G-pkmtKp0UMGseh8BZqLX1uTK7Xf9L7YXODgyL2JPW8/pubchart” query=”oid=1141913419&format=interactive” width=”620″ height=”315″ /]Trevor Gott will forever be saddled with blowing the lead in this one, but Mike Scioscia deserves a good portion of his -WPA for bringing him in a day after throwing an inning-plus. Is Cesar Ramos not available or something? Will Harris and Pat Neshek were the big goats in the Astros ‘pen, allowing three runs in just ⅔ of an inning.
Game Flow
[googleapps domain=”docs” dir=”spreadsheets/d/1G-pkmtKp0UMGseh8BZqLX1uTK7Xf9L7YXODgyL2JPW8/pubchart” query=”oid=451609002&format=interactive” width=”619″ height=”316″ /]The Angels came thisclose to seeing their season flat-line.
Halo Hero
Maybe on his way through the country Pope Francis can canonize Freese. That’s a thing, right?
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