Angels get a much-needed series win against the Rays

Angels 5 Rays 1

Well I’ll be a Rally Monkey’s uncle. The Angels won a series! Sure, it was against one of the worst teams in the league, but low-hanging fruit has never tasted so sweet. On top of that, the team has now won THREE in a row. Good news for modern Halos fans.

This game, much like last night’s victory, was built upon the back of a good performance from the starting pitcher, and lots of good, ol’ fashioned hittin’ from the Halos. Hector Santiago was the man on the mound for the visiting Angels today, and he did well enough to win, as well as hopefully raising that trade value a bit (just sayin’...could come in handy).

Santiago became the first Angels pitcher to go at least 7 innings since June 22nd...as sad as that is to type...but in those 7.0 IP for Santiago, he was masterful, giving up just three hits and getting NINE Ks. The Angels were reportedly not interested in moving Santiago, but perhaps the offers they’re getting will be enhanced by some excellent showings like today.

On the other side of the trade bait coin, you have Yunel Escobar, who had himself a nice day at the plate. He finished 3-5, with an RBI and run scored, and has now raised his season BA up to .327, the highest mark for 3B in the league.

Albert Pujols and C.J. Cron chipped in with some help on the offensive side, Mike Trout was Mike Trout, being quiet at the plate yet still impacting the game through runs, walks and stolen bases. Andrelton Simmons’ road trip of glory marches along, as he contributed with a double, as did Kole Calhoun.

Three in a row; a series win; hits and runs galore, and good pitching performances, from guys that could potentially help the Halos on the trade market, if they so desire. Outside of a sweep, this is about as good of a series for the Angels as possible, giving them a little boost of confidence, a little boost in trade values for some guys, and the fans back home can actually celebrate some good news for once.

They are now on their way to Baltimore for a weekend series against the Orioles. Here’s to them keeping the good times rolling, because most likely, they’ll have their work cut out for them.

Why can’t all games be against the Rays?!