The Los Angeles Angels have never lost 100 games in a season, but they're playing record-setting baseball for sure.
The Los Angeles Angels are currently engaged in a race to the bottom that could set a franchise record, and they’re winning big-time. They’re currently just two games from their first 100-loss season in franchise history, and the Angels are steaming up into Seattle with a chance to get it done at 60-98.
They’ve got the right guy on the mound, too. Grayson Rodriguez is one of the most inconsistent starters in baseball, and when he’s bad, he leans often leans toward really bad.
Except Rodriguez hasn’t quite been that lately. He’s actually been pretty good in his last two starts, as he gave up three runs to the Minnesota Twins in 6-2/3 innings, and two runs in 5-1/3 before that against the Washington Nationals.
Rodriguez is currently pitching to an ERA of 4.35 for the season, though, so hope springs eternal if you’re rooting for this particular franchise record.
But that’s where the other half of the losing formula comes in: The Angels can’t hit. They’re fielding a Triple-A lineup that consistently comes up empty and can’t score, and three runs or less has been a staple for the Angles for going on two months.
The Mariners, meanwhile, will send Bryan Woo to the mound, and he’s been really good lately. He’s given up just four earned runs in his last four starts, and that includes a road efforts at Coors Field against the Colorado Rockies and a game in Sacramento against the A’s.
Moreover, Woo’s home ERA is 2.36, and he’s 8-1 there. Woo’s overall numbers include an ERA of 3.92 with a WHIP of 1.09, which is down a little from his usual high standards, but you don’t need high standards against the Halos these days.
The Mariners gave been enjoying their newfound status as spoilers. They’ve been eliminated from the playoffs, but they hurt the Houston Astros badly with a win on Wednesday night in what passes for a playoff race in the AL West. Now they get to enjoy a fun weekend against the Angels, who should help Seattle forget what’s been a painful season.
This game will also feature the Angels closing in on “Fire Kurt Suzuki Day,” which is eagerly anticipated by the fan base after the announcement that owner Arte Moreno has sold the team to Stan Kroenke. The Kronke regime is now waiting in the on-deck circle, and Halos fans can’t wait to be able to see a real baseball team in Anaheim.
