Soriano dominated, Soler sparked a brawl and hit dingers, but the Angels ultimately fell short in a series packed with drama.
The Los Angeles Angels came away from their three-game series with the Atlanta Braves with just one win and two losses, but there was lots of excitement to be had in those three games. Let’s dive into it.
The series got off to a great start in Anaheim, as right-hander Jose Soriano recorded his third quality start of the season in as many tries. He went eight innings, allowing just one run and striking out 10, recording his third win of the year. The 27-year-old has allowed just one run in his 20 innings pitched this season.
While Soriano stole the show on the mound, the Angels’ lineup made life even easier for Soriano. Both shortstop Zach Neto and outfielder Jo Adell smashed home runs on the way to a 6-2 win, while superstar Mike Trout sat out after being hit on the hand at the end of the Seattle series.
Game two was a different story for the Halos, however, as they lost 7-2. Designated hitter Jorge Soler sent a ball over the wall to give the Angels the lead in the first inning, but they failed to score the rest of the game. Left-hander Yusei Kikuchi had another rough outing, allowing four runs in five innings, although he did strike out eight batters.
It may have been Trout bobblehead night, but Soler stole the show first with his home run and then as he charged the mound in the fifth inning. After hitting a home run in the first, Braves pitcher Reynaldo Lopez hit Soler in the hand in the third inning. In their next matchup, Lopez again threw up and in to Soler.
Soler wasn't a fan, and after some shouting, he charged the mound, and a brawl ensued. Both Soler and Lopez have since been handed seven-game suspensions, which they both appealed. As far as the rest of the game, the Braves got the last laugh with the convincing win.
The final game of the series was another disappointing one for the Halos, especially after left-hander Reid Detmers’ poor outing. Allowing five runs in 4 ⅓ innings, the Angels were struggling to stay in it past the second inning.
Soler actually hit another home run as he appealed his suspension, bringing his total to three on the year. Catcher Logan O’Hoppe was the only other Angel who scored a run on Wednesday, leading to an 8-2 defeat.
There were some bad pitching displays from the Angels outside of Soriano, but the most concerning story of the series for many is the performance of Trout. After a spectacular opening series, Trout hasn’t produced much at all in the three following series. He has just two hits in his last eight games played, bringing his average below the Mendoza line a couple of weeks into the season.
Hopefully it’s just a short slump for the former MVP, but with the lack of production the Angels’ lineup has had this year, they need their superstar now more than ever if they want to stay a competitive team in the American League West.
Now, the Halos head to Ohio to take on the Cincinnati Reds in a three-game series starting on Friday before traveling to New York to take on the Yankees in a best-of-four series. At a 6-7 record, the Angels will be playing to hold their spot tied for second in the division over the next week.