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It’s only April 5th and already the Angels have two series victories - one expected, and one perhaps not.
Heading into this series, the Angels are second in the AL in runs scored with 38, and 2nd in home runs with 11 (the A’s have 24 runs and 5 homers). Surprisingly, the Angels pitching staff is also second in BAA with highly respectable .190.
This series marks the first road trip of the season for the A’s.
GAME 1
Parker Bridwell v. Daniel Gossett
Friday, April 6th @ 7:07PM
Pitcher vs. Batters
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Relevant Stats
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Summary:
Parker Bridwell gets to make his first start of the 2018 MLB season due to Matt Shoemaker landing on the DL with a forearm strain. Last year, Bridwell faced the A’s twice - lasting only 3 innings each time and giving up 13 runs. They completely blasted him in back to back starts at home and on the road.
Daniel Gossett was on the receiving end of Shohei Ohtani’s pitching debut. He suffered the loss after giving up 4 runs in 4 innings.
Verdict: Hopefully the A’s have lost Bridwell’s number since last season or this could be a rough open to the series.
GAME 2
J.C. Ramirez v. Andrew Triggs
Saturday, April 7th @ 6:07PM
Pitcher vs. Batters
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Relevant Stats
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Summary:
J.C. Ramirez had a rough start to his season when the Indians rocked him for 3 home runs and 5 runs (4 earned) over 4.2 innings. In 2017, he threw 10.2 innings against the A’s and only allowed 1 run while striking out 9.
Andrew Triggs had an excellent start to his season with a victory over the Rangers. He tossed 5 innings while allowing just 1 run on 4 hits. He was also solid against the Angels last seasons in 2 starts with just 2 runs allowed (1 earned) in 11.2 innings.
Verdict: Ramirez will need a rebound from his last start if the Angels want a good shot at game 2.
GAME 3
Shohei Ohtani v. Kendall Graveman
Sunday, April 8th @ 1:07PM
Pitcher vs. Batters
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Relevant Stats
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Summary:
In some ways, this is the game we really get to see what Shohei Ohtani is made of. Not only is it his second start of the season, he’s also already facing a team for the second time so we can see how he (and they) adjust to that. Last time out he dominated the A’s so here’s to hoping for a repeat performance - this time at home.
Kendall Graveman has already given up 9 ER and 4 dingers in 10 innings pitched. Three of those homers and and 5 of those runs were against the Angels. Last year, Graveman had mixed results against the Angels with a pair of of bad and a pair of good starts.
Verdict: Based on how Ohtani pitched in his debut, he should have the clear edge over Graveman.
Overall Verdict: The Angels should take this series but games 1 and 2 are far from locks.