BALTIMORE — You can update “it’s only one game” to “it’s only two games.”
The Angels were blown out by the Baltimore Orioles 13-4 on Saturday, after losing by eight runs in the opener two days earlier.
The Orioles are arguably the best team in the American League, while the Angels are expected to finish fourth in the American League West, so merely losing two games should not raise any eyebrows.
However, the way they played in the two games is certainly disturbing for the Angels and their fans.
The Angels’ -17 run differential in their first two games was the worst in franchise history, and tied for the seventh worst in major-league history. It was the first time the Angels allowed at least 10 runs in their first two games of the season.
While the Angels were down by four runs by the second inning in the opener, this time the game didn’t get away from them until they allowed nine runs in a nightmarish sixth inning.
Starter Griffin Canning gave up two runs in the first, but then steadied himself and allowed just one more through the next four. He’d retired seven of eight hitters as he took the mound in the sixth at 81 pitches. The Angels were down 3-1.
Canning was about to face Ryan Mountcastle, who had already doubled twice against him. This time, Canning walked him. He then gave up a single to Ryan O’Hearn, sending Mountcastle to third.
That was all for Canning. The Angels then opened the gate to their revamped bullpen, but there was no relief in sight.
Right-hander Luis Garcia gave up hits to the first three batters he faced. He then got a ground ball that should have been a routine double play, but shortstop Zach Neto bobbled it and the Angels didn’t get an out.
Next came right-hander Guillo Zuñiga. He was on the mound as the Orioles scored five more runs, including three on an Anthony Santander homer.
While the pitching was the biggest issue in these games, the Angels also haven’t hit until showing some signs of life after the games were out of reach.
Related Articles
Angels’ Anthony Rendon ‘loves’ the opportunity to hit leadoff
Angels’ starters looking forward to traditional 5-man rotation
Angels blown out by Orioles on Opening Day
Angels eye José Soriano as their ‘winning piece’ in hybrid role
Angels manager Ron Washington eager to begin second chance
Their only run in the first eight innings Saturday was a Taylor Ward homer. In the ninth, when they were down by 12 runs, they managed three runs on five hits. Jo Adell tripled, smoking a line drive at 113 mph. Ward, Nolan Schanuel and Logan O’Hoppe drove in the runs.
Miguel Sanó also showed some positive signs with two balls hit over 107 mph, including one double down the left-field line.
More to come on this story.