Boxscore Breakdown #6: Weaver to the Rescue – Angels 3, Rangers 1

For the umpteenth time in the last decade-plus, Jered Weaver came through in the clutch for the Angels. You would think at some point we (read: I) would learn to stop predicting the end for Weaver and just marvel at how he continues to defy increasingly long odds, but it’s tough to do when all the evidence seems to point the other way. I guess that’s why he’s out there throwing six innings of one-run ball and I’m in here writing this recap.

Again with the ground balls, though. A day after putting 68 percent of their balls in play on the ground, the Angels rolled over on another 66.6 percent (18 of 27), including three more GIDPs. It’s just the 12th time in team history the Angels have hit into three or more double plays in consecutive games. Put the dang ball in the air, please.

Angels 3, Rangers 1

Run Expectancy Rundown

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Yunel Escobar had another strong performance at the plate for the Halos, reaching base three times for the second day in a row, but again scored only one run. Craig Gentry too reached base multiple times for the second straight game, but again had no runs to show for it. I think you see where this is headed. Mike Trout shows up on the positive side of the ledger thanks to two walks, but he, Albert Pujols, and C.J. Cron went 1-for-7 with RISP on the day and are now a combined 3-for-18 w/ RISP on the season. Kole Calhoun reached twice Sunday and quietly has a four-game hitting streak going.

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One heck of an MLB debut for Nomar Mazara: two singles and a dinger. If he’s by some chance still available in your fantasy league, grab him now. Prince Fielder and Mitch Moreland were the only other Rangers to reach base more than once. No one could do anything with RISP—the team was 0-for-7 on the afternoon.

Starting Pitcher Scores

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Maybe the haters really are extra motivation for Weaver. The right-hander hit 84 mph on the gun and spotted his pitches incredibly well all day Sunday, even getting two batters to freeze on strike threes. Guess this means we have to keep hatin’, even if we secretly love what he’s doing. Weaver is now 11-0 with a 2.22 ERA in 18 home starts vs Texas in his career.

Martin Perez did exactly what was expected of him: He got a lot of grounders (16 of 23 BIP), he allowed a fair number of walks (5), and he missed almost no bats (0 K). How that combination results in a quality start so often, like it did Sunday, is a dang mystery.

Bullpen Battle

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For the first time this season, the bullpen got to try its hand at protecting a lead. Fernando Salas earned his first hold of the season thanks to his second consecutive 1-2-3 inning of work. Joe Smith and Huston Street also earned their first hold and save of the year, respectively, and are now a perfect 3-for-3 in scoreless innings on the year.

Game Flow

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A steady climb two the club’s second win of the season.

Halo Hero

I don’t know how Weaver does it, but I’m grateful that he continues to find ways to succeed. Now if he could just figure out how to do the same thing on the road…