Angels: Indians series recap and Athletics series preview

The Angels have an off-day today, so let us take a quick look back on the past series against the Indians as well as previewing the upcoming series against the Athletics.

Game 1 vs. Indians: Loss, 6-0

There really was no highlight for this game for the Angels. JC Ramirez gave up four earned runs in just under five innings, but the way the Indians were hitting, it seemed like far more. Maybe it was just a particularly bad start, given that Ramirez is also coming off an elbow ligament tear last season. His fastball looked very flat at times. Oh, and Edwin Encarnacion hit an inside-the-park home run.

Game 2 vs. Indians: Win, 13-2

The Angels came out with an offensive explosion in the second game of the series. 13 runs on 13 hits, with five home runs is a decent day of work. Garrett Richards looked like he was going to have a long night after giving up a first inning home run to Jose Ramirez, but that hit ended up being the only hit the Indians would get all game.

Richards did have some control problems (four walks) which led to a high pitch count, but the nine strikeouts showed his stuff was filthy as always.

Also, HE DID IT. OHTANI DID IT. HE HIT A HOME RUN IN HIS FIRST HOME AT BAT AND IT WAS SO MAJESTIC AND BABE RUTH HAS NOTHING ON HIM. YEAH I SAID IT.

Game 3 vs. Indians, Win, 3-2 in 13 innings

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The matchup against Corey Kluber was expected to be tough, and it was, as he only gave up two earned runs in seven innings of work.

Tyler Skaggs was chased after four and two-thirds innings, but the Halo bullpen did a magnificent job in keeping the game close, giving up only two hits in eight innings. The game ended on a Zack Cozart walkoff home run, his second of the year.

BUT OHTANI DID IT AGAIN. HE HIT ANOTHER HOME RUN. THIS ONE OFF A CY YOUNG WINNER. THE HYPE IS REAL.

Looking Forward

It is getting very hard to not be overly excited and optimistic about this team after this series. This was the test as to whether or not this team was legit, and after taking two of three from the Indians, the Angels have made it clear they are here to compete. Now, the attention turns to the Athletics, who come to town for a three game series.

The biggest thing to look forward to is Ohtani’s first home start on the mound on Sunday. His first start came against Oakland last week which went really well, so it is important to see if he made the proper adjustments to repeat his successes and fix his mistakes.

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Parker Bridwell should be slated to make his first start after Matt Shoemaker was placed on the DL with forearm issues. Bridwell was key in keeping the Angels in the playoff hunt last season, but there is no telling what this season will hold for him. Here’s to more Ohtani bombs, hugs, and smiles.