The Los Angeles Angels are struggling in Kansas City, but Zach Neto enjoys going up against Bobby Witt Jr.
The Los Angeles Angels have scored just four runs in two games against the Kansas City Royals so far, but if you’re a fan of stellar shortstops, this series has had its moments. Bobby Witt Jr. of the Royals and the Angels’ Zach Neto are two of the best in the game, and Neto said he enjoys the opportunity to go head-to-head against his counterpart at the position.
“It’s fun,” Neto said prior to the Angels’ 12-1 loss to the Royals on Saturday in a piece written by Robert Falkoff of MLB.com. “[Witt is] one of the best in the game and he plays with a lot of energy. He makes the pitcher throw strikes. He’s fast and he hits for pop. It’s pretty special to compete against him because he is at the top of the class.”
Neto and Will didn’t know each other coming up, but Neto said they’ve had a few conversations in the middle of the infield when one shortstop is in the field and the other is a runner at second.
“Game respects game,” Neto said. “Whenever we get the chance, we talk as much as we can. We respect each other’s game and that’s what it is all about.”
Neto added that he sees Witt as a “difference maker,” according to the writer, and he’s modeled part of his game on the ability to do that as well.
“The shortstops have that repertoire,” Neto said. “We want to be the pitcher’s best friend and have their back no matter what. A lot of shortstops are hitting at the top of the lineup these days and can really spark their team.”
Neto is currently hitting leadoff for the Angels, while Witt bats second for the Royals. They’re almost always involved in big rallies for their respective teams, and Angels manager Kurt Suzuki appreciates getting to watch them in action.
“Just watching [Neto and Witt] on the field together is definitely good for the game,” Angels manager Kurt Suzuki said. “It excites the fans, that’s for sure.”
Unfortunately, Neto hasn’t had many opportunities to lead rallies for the Angels. They’ve been behind big early, which neutralizes what Neto can do to a large extent. Yesterday it was Walbert Urena who blew up in his second start for the Halos, and by the end of the game it was second baseman Adam Frazier who was on the mound for the Angels.
Neto remains hopeful, however, despite the fact that the Halos have lost six of their last seven games. The Angels have shown flashes early on, but they haven’t put it all together very often.
“We’re going through something here, but we’re just going to keep our heads high and hopefully get over this hump,” Neto said after Saturday’s game. “We’re all very optimistic and it just takes one game to get hot again.”