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Andrew Heaney provided a third solid start in three tries for the Angels this weekend at Coors Field, and Albert Pujols made history with a game-winning home run on Sunday to beat the Rockies, 5-3.
Down a run in the eighth inning, Pujols hit a two-run shot off Carlos Estévez to give the Angels the lead, and tied Willie Mays for fifth all-time with 660 career home runs.
That made a winner out of Heaney, who struck out eight and walked none in his seven innings, the third time in his last four starts he’s lasted at least seven. Colorado got to him with three extra-base hits — a solo home run by Matt Kemp in the second inning, and RBI doubles by Kevin Pillar and Charlie Blackmon in the third.
Angels starting pitchers in the offensive eden in Denver had a 4.00 ERA, but more importantly totaled 18 innings, the club’s most in any three-game series in 2020.
The Angels’ nearly all-right-handed lineup didn’t far so well against Rockies right-hander Ryan Castellani, though not for lack of opportunities. Castellani walked six batters and hit Anthony Rendon with a pitch, but the Angels managed just one measly single against him.
Castellani’s only run allowed was scored on a passed ball. In fact, that second inning made history:
Today's #Angels 2nd inning:
— Matt Birch (@MattBirch12) September 13, 2020
Walk
Walk
Strikeout
Walk
Passed ball (run scores)
Strikeout
Strikeout
Per @EliasSports, this was the first inning in #Angels history where a run scored without hitting a ball in play.
Starting pitching was effective all weekend for both teams, with Rockies starters posting a 1.93 ERA in 18⅔ innings.
But the Angels’ two wins over the weekend came against the Rockies bullpen, scoring three in the 11th inning on Saturday, and four runs in the final three innings on Sunday.
Sunday particulars
Home runs: Albert Pujols (4); Matt Kemp (6)
WP — Andrew Heaney (4-3): 7 IP, 8 hits, 3 runs, 8 strikeouts
LP — Carlos Estévez (1-3): ⅔ IP, 1 hit, 2 runs, 1 walk
Sv — Matt Andriese (2): 2 IP, 4 strikeouts
Up next
The Angels are off Monday but then begin their final homestand of the season, facing the Diamondbacks for three games. Julio Teheran starts the opener (6:40 p.m.; Fox Sports West, FS1, MLB Network) for the Angels, with Madison Bumgarner starting for the Diamondbacks.