ANAHEIM – One night ago, the return of the Angels did not go as he imagined. A late entry deficit in one race turned into six, and Angels gave up the second game of the season at the White Sox.
But Saturday was a new night – and one in which a hopeful comeback turned into a reality for Angels fans, even without the help of Rally Monkey.
In a run in the eighth inning against Chicago, first baseman Jared Walsh provided the game’s triple equalizer on the left line to bring home third baseman Anthony Rendon.
Right-hander Justin Upton followed with a strong homer that had an output speed of 106.5 mph and landed in the Chicago bullpen to lift the Angels to a 5-3 victory in the third game of the series. club against Chicago.
Upton also played a key role in the return victory in the opening day. In another crucial stage in the bat-eighth, he drew an 11-step walk to load the bases of Albert Pujols, who then led the race.
Before returning, the Angels had only one RBI the night before the equalizer and the initial scores were brought by Walsh and Upton.
“This is what [Upton’s] able to do, ”said Angels manager Joe Maddon. “It is not a surprise. He moves well, he feels very good with himself. I think I really think this will continue for a while. ”
Walsh struggled to get 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 getting his first hit of the 2020 season. He then hit nine home runs and led in 26 races on his way to being named American League starter for September.
“Spring training has been tough, but the season is so long that I don’t buy in lows and lows,” Walsh said. “It’s a little heavy on your shoulders to go out there and find a few barrels early.”
Maddon said a key to Walsh’s success is finding the moment in his cradle.
“[Walsh] he looked really good tonight, but with his head up, ”Maddon said. “His hands are working again. I hope it will look like this. ”
A key difference in Saturday’s successful return, as opposed to Friday, was the bullpen. Starter Alex Cobb left the game after teaching three rounds in six innings, hitting seven with a single walk.
The night before, the bullpen gave up five races, but Junior Guerra and Tony Watson combined for three closing innings in Saturday’s victory.
Maddon said Guerra is an impact arm that can rely on his bullpen, no matter what the situation.
“[Guerra] he’s really a guy who can start playing [from the] to close a game, “Maddon said. “I saw him do all these things, so nothing surprises me with him.”