Canning, Angels bats resist orders to Cease and desist, winning series against White Sox

Angels 9, White Sox 2

Mike Trout didn’t play.

It made for the second straight day he didn’t see the field (having DH’d in Saturday’s affair), but it didn’t matter. Yes, we’re all curious to see who wins the Great Home Run Race of 2019, but Trout’s campaign can resume Monday. It’s fine. He will still win.

The Angels were also winners Sunday afternoon, Griffin Canning efficient through seven strong innings while the offense hit four home runs. Canning’s lone run was the result of a “triple” that Brian Goodwin couldn’t find in center field. Okay. Maybe Trout’s absence was felt.

It was no matter, as that was the only run Chicago would get (until the 9th!). Canning’s fastball was elevated to great effect, he found the outside corner with ease, and he spun multiple breaking balls down and away that were chased and missed for strike three.

Matt Thaiss was the story until more fascinating stories took over. Initially, this article was titled “Canning, Thaiss...” but then other Angels did useful things and it became just about the bats. No matter. He gave the Halos a 3-0 cushion and didn’t stop hitting, finishing a triple shy of the cycle.

Then Kole Calhoun launched one. It was a home run that bested his former career high. Calhoun wants that money, folks.

Then Shohei Ohtani ended the longest homerless drought of his career by flicking one out to center. He’s a strong man.

Playoffs or bust, amirite? Who needs Mike Trout!

Finally, Anthony Bemboom got a hold of one for the first home run of his big league career. Hopefully the ushers were able to negotiate for the ball!