Just Like A Releiver

Well the game started out on a good note with the Angels scoring in the first but it almost looked like a reliever was pitching in the 4th as the Angels gave up 6 runs. I say reliever because it reminded me about how the bullpen has been giving up leads this year. Leading 1-0 heading into the 4th, Deck McGuire (0-1, 7.56 ERA) was cruising along until he coughed up a bunch of runs. Giving up a single, a double, a walk, and 2 home runs and the Angels were in a world of hurt. So much so that they would never come back in the game.

First Time Starter Fail

McGuire was making his first start for the Angels and it didn’t turn out all that well. I think we were given a first hand example of why he’s been in the bullpen for most of his career since he pitched well for the first 3 innings. Once he was facing the batters for a second time they jumped all over him. Sure, the fact that Kinsler lost a routine pop out in the sun didn’t help things but a pitcher should not implode because of a bad luck play.

Kole Calhoun was batting leadoff again and he showed what he could do. He went 2 for 4 with a home run and a double. He also scored the only 2 runs the Angels plated. The other Angel that played well at the plate was Pujols who went 2 for 3. But 6 hits is not enough in most cases, particularly when the pitching gives up so many runs.

My Player of the Game goes to Calhoun and I’d sure like to give him the award more often. If only he could start contributing more. Sitting on a .168 batting average is not where the team needs him to be. Hopefully his 2 for 4 start in July will lead to a hot month that sees him playing like he was expected to at the start of the season.

Tomorrow the Angels head to Seattle to face the team that sits in 2nd place in the AL West, 11 games ahead of them. Andrew Heaney (4-5 3.95 ERA) tries to start things off right against Wade LeBlanc (3-0 3.38 ERA). Last month, LeBlanc pitched really well against the Angels so hopefully the team will be looking to get revenge for that by breaking Seattle’s 7 game winning streak.

Daily Ramble 283. | Sports – Angels – Just Like A Releiver