The importance of team victories cannot be stressed enough. It's one thing for a select few players to carry a team through a game or a series, but as the season dwindles down, the Angels need to play together in order to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Game Notes:
– Zack Greinke earned his third win of the season (with the Angels) this evening and is beginning to look like the pitcher that the Angels sought after at the trade deadline. He even smiled today! Greinke threw a solid 7 innings with 7 K, allowing a mere two runs and five hits. Hopefully we continue to see performances of this nature from him for the remainder of the season.
– Howie Kendrick was taken out of the game in the bottom of the third inning due to soreness in his right knee. Unfortunately for the once struggling Kendrick, this put an end to his 15-game hit streak.
– Mark Trumbo went 2-4 tonight. Don't count him out just yet.
– Albert Pujols jumped on Jon Lester's pitching right away, knocking in two runs in the 1st inning. You won't find me complaining about all of these doubles.
– Another huge night at the plate for Torii Hunter. 3-4. Need I say more? The dude's on fire.
Halo Hero:
No one can comprehend the ups and downs of the Angels' 2012 season quite like Pujols can. When the Halos strike first, the offense stays glued. Moments after the game began, Pujols made his mark on the 1st inning. He means business.
If the Angels are going to get hot, this final stretch of the season isn't a bad time to do it. In fact, it's the only time to do it. Heading into Seattle, the Angels needed this sweep to gain momentum.
Life, liberty, and the pursuit of postseason baseball. Here goes nothing.
(Photo Credit: Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)
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