Angels Riding High After Sweeping ‘Best Team in Baseball,’ Dodgers
The Los Angeles Angels made a statement by completing their first three-game sweep of the Los Angeles Dodgers since 2010, and players are feeling optimistic after a challenging start to the season.
“We just swept the best team in baseball,” said Angels pitcher Yusei Kikuchi, through his interpreter. “As a team, we can carry a lot of confidence into the next series.”
Kikuchi delivered a dominant performance in the series finale, going 5.2 innings, allowing just one run, and striking out seven. Though he exited the game in the bottom of the sixth with an ankle injury, Kikuchi wasn’t concerned, noting that he would’ve stayed in if the injury had occurred earlier in the game, as he had already thrown 98 pitches at that point.
Travis d’Arnaud provided the game-winning moment, hitting his first home run of the season in the top of the eighth inning. The 2022 All-Star finished with two RBIs on the day.
“It’s tremendous,” d’Arnaud said. “Every game here felt like a playoff atmosphere. It felt like everyone was stepping up, good at-bats across the lineup. It was a dogfight every game. High stress. And we came out on top in all three. Beating last year’s World Champions is really special. It’s huge for our confidence, knowing we can beat anyone now.”
The Angels’ offense is also showing promise, with rookie outfielder Matthew Lugo posting a 1.409 OPS in his first eight games, hitting three home runs. Taylor Ward has been on fire, blasting three home runs in his last four games, including six in May. Zach Neto has been consistent, hitting in five of his last six games, including three multi-hit performances.
The Angels are currently riding the longest win streak in the American League, and they appear to be gaining momentum, with a real chance to climb the standings if they maintain their form.
The Angels are now eyeing a chance to surpass the Athletics in the AL West in their upcoming four-game series at Sutter Health Park. After being at the bottom of the division since April 23, they’re just 4.5 games out of a Wild Card spot. The series kicks off Monday at 7:05 p.m. PT.
Leave a Reply