Well, that didn’t go as we had hoped! This year’s freeway series is over and the result is that the Angels now sit 3 games behind the Oakland A’s in the AL West. Who were the winners and losers of this 4 game series? See my thoughts below.
The Losers:
Los Angeles Angels: The Angels lost the series 3-1 and at the very least should have split it. Lack of offensive showing and errors proved to be part of the reason for the series loss. The Angels were outscored 14-10, but more so they only scored 1 run in the last two games (AT HOME) with a combined 7 hits. The Angels have been great at the Big A this year but apparently the Dodgers didn’t get that memo.
Chris Iannetta & David Freese: They get a joint award for making 3 errors in game 2 that allowed the Dodgers to win in the bottom of the 9th. Freese actually made 3 errors during the series going from 4 to 7 on the year. Did the Dodgers buy him off?
Dee Gordon: Just because I had to have a Dodger on this list. And because he didn’t steal a base during the series. Never mind that he only played 2 games with 7 at bats and 3 hits (one of which was a double). Isn’t this guy supposed to be fast? He could have at least stole one against Hank “bad aim” Conger.
Zach Greinke: Ooo Another Dodger! He is now 12-7 thanks to the Angels jumping on him for 4 runs in the first inning. Pitchers HATE the first inning against the Angels.
CJ Wilson: Second start back from the DL and he’s still sucktastic. Well, not that bad but he did give up 4 runs over 5.2 innings with 6 hits and 4 walks. I wouldn’t exactly calling that a winning performance.
The Winners:
Los Angeles Dodgers: Let’s face it – they won the series. They hit and pitched better.
Garret Richards: Thanks God someone on the team can still pitch. Our current hero threw a complete game shutout to open the series along with 9 punch-outs. Too bad the series went downhill from that high point.
Hyun-Jin Ryu: Damn. He baffled the Angels with only 2 hits over 7 innings. That was certainly not a happy birthday for Mike Trout who went 0-for-3.
The Meh:
Josh Hamilton: He hit another homerun which is great because he DOES appear to have his power back. But it was his ONLY hit in 16 at bats. He missed the loser category by one swing of the bat.
Clayton Kershaw: Gave up his second most hits since June 18th resulting in a no decision. He was pretty dominant after the 3rd until his exit from the game. Not bad or good but definitely a so-so performance from this ace.
Hector Santiago: Still not starter material. He gave up 4 runs in 5.1 innings and continues to average near 20 pitches per inning. Just barely missed getting the loss.
Mike Trout: Yesterday’s birthday boy went 3-for-13 in the series with a homerun. Certainly nothing too spectacular.
