The Angels had themselves a dramatic, come-from-behind-in-late-innings victory in August. In the weird, pre-season alternate universe in which this ball club was projected to contend, this would've been quite the morale-boosting game. With the Angels in close contention with the A's and the Rangers, this could've been a key game in turning the tide back in their favor.
Shortstop Erick Aybar laced go-ahead RBI double in the top of the ninth against former Halo closer Fernando Rodney. This was the first time in five save chances that the Angels were able to finally break through against their crooked-hatted former bullpen arm. In even more poetic justice, former Ray and current Angel Dane De La Rosa notched the save in the bottom of the inning. Baseball is awesome.
But it was another meaningless game, inching the Halos lower on the 2014 Draft ledger, and possibly out of a protected first-round pick. But never mind that! There are still positives to be garnered from this victory.
——
Game Notes
— Mike Trout is awesome. But you knew that already. He hit another home run, his 23rd of the season.
— Josh Hamilton walked twice and went one for three. Might we dare to actually have hope that he's still got a few productive years left in his aging body?
— Grant Green, brought up in the Oakland A's system, had been called out in recent days for being a terrible bunter. But he laid down a beauty in the game earlier today. He is now hitting a very decent .280 and is starting to look more and more settled in as a potential every day major leaguer. I have to think Howie Kendrick's knee is feeling better by the minute.
——
Halo Hero of the Game
Erick Aybar had himself quite the game. Way to go, potential-trade-chip-in-the-offseason-for-one-of-the-Cardinals'-thirty-quality-cost-controlled-arms.
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
