ANAHEIM: One night ago, the return of the Angels did not come out as imagined. The late entry deficit of one run turned into six, and the Angels left the White Sox for the second game of the season.
But Saturday was a new night, and one in which a hopeful return became a reality for Angels fans, even without the help of the Rally Monkey.
After a run in the eighth inning against Chicago, first baseman Jared Walsh delivered the three-pointer to the left field line to take home third baseman Anthony Rendon.
Right-hander Justin Upton followed with a strong starting goal that had a starting speed of 106.5 mph and landed on the Chicago Bullring to lift the Angels with a 5-3 victory in the third. club series match against Chicago.
Upton also played a key role in the Opening Day return victory. In another crucial eighth of bat-bat, he drew an 11-throw walk to load Albert Pujols ’bases, which then led to the opening test.
Before the return, the Angels only had one RBI the night before the tie and Walsh and Upton got the starting scores.
“This is what [Upton’s] able to do, “Angels manager Joe Maddon said.” It’s not like it’s a surprise. He’s moving well, he’s feeling really good about himself. I think I really think he’s going to continue that for a while. “
Walsh had a hard time getting into the regular season. He finished the Cactus League game with an average of .217, four RBIs and no home runs, but Walsh is no stranger to slow starts.
It took him 13 bats before receiving his first success of the 2020 season. He then threw nine home runs and drove in 26 road races until being named American League rookie of the month in September.
“Spring training was tough, but the season is so long that I don’t buy highs and lows,” Walsh said. “It’s a bit of a shoulder weight to get out there and find a few barrels early.”
Maddon said the key to Walsh’s success is finding the moment in his swing.
“[Walsh] it has looked great tonight, but it is moving forward, “Maddon said.” His hands are starting to work again. I predict it will be what it will look like. “
A key difference in the success of Saturday’s return compared to Friday was the bullring. Headliner Alex Cobb left the game after surrendering three runs in six innings, and hit seven with just one walk.
The night before, the bullring gave up five runs, but Junior Guerra and Tony Watson combined for three closing innings in Saturday’s win.
Maddon said War is an impact arm on which he can rely on his bullpen regardless of the situation.
“[Guerra] he’s really a guy who can start throwing [from the] to close a game, “Maddon said.” I’ve seen him do all this, so nothing surprises me with him. “