No wonder they are called Angels. They came bearing gifts.
The Angels realized the Rangers cannot score runs on their own, so they gifted the Rangers the three runs they needed in order to win.
As a Rangers fan, it was exciting and embarrassing at the same time.
Todd Frazier led off the fourth inning with a hit. That’s what it’s called when the batsman strikes a ball that subsequently eludes the defenders allowing him to reach base successfully without being put out. For examples of this phenomenon, see other teams’ offenses.
Then they walked a .115 hitter in Willie Calhoun. How Angelic.
Then, with one out, Isiah Kiner-Falefa grounds into the very definition of a tailor-made 4-6-3 double play. But there were Angles in the infield, and second baseman Tommy La Stella botched the ball. Everyone was safe. Bases loaded.
What would have been a typical Rangers rally killed suddenly had new life. And the Rangers bats came to life as only they can. By not swinging the bat.
Robinson Chirinos walked to “drive” in the first of three runs in the inning.
Anderson Tejada’s ground ball forced Willie Calhoun out at home. But bases were still loaded, now with two outs.
Mysteriously, Angels pitcher Griffin Canning thought it would be a good idea to try to pick off the runner at second and he ended up throwing the ball into the outfield. The mighty Rangers offense scores its second run of the fourth.
Now runners were on second and third, just waiting for that offense to explode. And it did. Choo drew a walk.
Bases loaded again. Time for the big hit to break it open. And, on cue, that happened. A pitch hit Nick Solak, knocking in the third run of the inning, what would be the winning run of the game.
Rougned Odor, of course, struck out to end the inning.
You’ll take the offense any way you can get it. Even when they are giving it to you.
Who says The Shed is a pitcher’s park? You would never get Angels manager Joe Maddon to agree to that after witnessing his pitchers last night.
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TODAY’S GAME:
Patrick Sandoval (0-0, 2.25) vs. Kolby Allard (0-0, 2.25)
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