Angels: They cruise to an 11-5 win over the Rangers.
ANAHEIM » First-year general manager Perry Minasian could be accused of naïve optimism. It’s been three years since the Angels had a winning record after 48 games, and seven since they qualified for the postseason. By beating the Texas Rangers 11-5 on Tuesday at Angel Stadium, their record improved to 21-27.
“The next month is obviously very important,” Minasian said. “It’s early in the season. From the front office standpoint, you’re looking at the short term and long term day in and day out. … The next month and a half hopefully we play better. We expect to play better. That’ll take care of itself.”
When beating the fourth-place team to escape the American League West cellar counts as progress, it’s worth asking how soon is too soon to begin making new plans for the rest of this season and beyond. Waiting to see? The Angels have tried that approach before.
As far as their existing personnel is concerned, the Angels are at least shaking things up.
Veteran outfielder Justin Upton batted first for the second consecutive game and hit a home run in the first inning to provide an early 1-0 lead. Shohei Ohtani, the Angels’ best starting pitcher, continued to make hitting look easy. His 15th home run of the season accounted for three of the Angels’ six runs during their fourth-inning rally. At 117 mph, it was the sixth-hardest hit homer by any player in 2021.
Jared Walsh arrived on the scene two years ago as a part-time pitcher, then took a detour into right field, before recently settling in as a full-time first baseman. Focusing on his best position appears to have Walsh locked in at the plate. He finished 2 for 4 with a home run and drove in three runs, and is batting .321 for the season.
The Angels’ two-game winning streak is only their third winning streak of any length this month. Their 11 runs were their most in a victory this season.
It was more than enough offense for starting pitcher Andrew Heaney (2-3). The left-hander allowed three runs in 5 2/3 innings to pick up his first win since April 9. He walked four batters and struck out five.
Upton, Juan Lagares and Kurt Suzuki each had two of the Angels’ 12 hits as a team.
Jose Iglesias left the game after running out a double in the sixth inning with a cramp in his left hamstring. Jose Rojas pinch ran for Iglesias and took over at second base, with Fletcher shifting to shortstop for the remainder of the game.
The Angels can take sole possession of fourth place in the AL West by beating the Rangers in the finale of the two-game series today.