The Los Angeles Angels handed the New York Yankees their first series loss of the season, getting a three-run homer from Kendry Morales with two outs in the seventh to break open the game in an 8-4 win.
Morales hit the game-changing bomb after being given the green light on a 3-0 count against Demaso Marte. But it was manager Joe Girardi who really gave the Angels first baseman the chance. The Yankees skipper initially called for an intentional walk of Morales, but changed his mind after one pitch and Morales made him pay.
Morales finished 3-for-3 with 3 RBI and two runs scored. Bobby Abreu also homered and went 2 for 4.
On a less positive note, though, starting pitcher Scott Kazmir struggled again. He walked four batters and gave up four runs in 5 1/3 innings, and his ERA now stands at 7.20 on the season.
Kazmir also served up two home runs, to Robinson Cano and Jorge Posada.
Sunday, April 25, 2010 at 9:18 pm by Raj Sethi
Hideki Matsui is quickly endearing himself to his new teammates and fans.
The new Los Angeles Angel drove in the game-winning run in the 9th inning on Saturday, giving the club a 4-3 win over the Oakland Athletics.
The win ended a four-game losing streak for the Angels. Bobby Abreu’s one-out double ignited the rally, and an intentional walk to Tori Hunter set the table for Matsui’s heroics. “Godzilla” finished 3 for 5 with 2 RBI, and is batting .417 after a week in his new digs.
Jered Weaver pitched six strong innings, surrendering just one run while striking out seven. Fernando Rodney earned his first win with the Angels by pitching a scoreless ninth inning.
Sunday, April 11, 2010 at 1:52 pm by Raj Sethi
Free agent acquisition Hideki Matsui, fresh off earning World Series MVP honors, picked up right where he left off yesterday. Playing in his first official game since his 3-for-4, HR, 6 RBI performance in title-clinching Game 6 against Philadelphia, Matsui went 2 for 4 with a home run and 2 RBI, including the go-ahead one in the 5th inning to help the Angels earn a 6-3 win over the Minnesota Twins on Opening Day.
First baseman Kendry Morales followed Matsui’s big fly with one of his own en route to posting identical numbers from the No. 5 spot. And Erick Aybar, slotted in the leadoff spot with mainstay Chone Figgins signing with Seattle in the offseason, provided a spark with a 2-for-3 performance, drawing a walk and scoring two runs.
Jered Weaver pitched six effective innings, striking out six while surrending three runs. And the bullpen appeared formidable, providing three shutout innings.
Delmon Young went 2-for-4 with a home run and 2 RBI for Minnesota in a losing effort.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010 at 7:48 am by Raj Sethi
Angels left-hander Scott Kazmir will begin the season on the disabled list, as he nurses multiple injuries. The move is retroactive to March 31.
Kazmir, who has been dealing with nagging arm and hamstring injuries, will make a rehab start for Los Angeles’ Class A affiliate on Friday, after which the Angels hope he can rejoin the team.
Matt Palmer will take Kazmir’s place in the rotation and start on Friday against Oakland.
Sunday, April 4, 2010 at 7:42 pm by Raj Sethi
