The Angels were able to score the go-ahead run in the eighth inning, as they defeated the Rangers, 4-3. They’ve now won 11 of their last 16 games.
They entered the bottom of the eighth tied at three. David Fletcher began the inning with a walk. Jared Walsh, who has been the best hitter at the plate for the Angels over the last few weeks, reached on an error. He reached safely, with Fletcher advancing to third. With runners on the corners and no outs, Mike Trout stepped up to the plate.
I think you can guess the result.
Trout singled to put the Angels ahead, giving them the 4-3 lead.
‼️‼️‼️ pic.twitter.com/fghSHVDZ71
— Los Angeles Angels (@Angels) September 20, 2020
Unfortunately, with runners now on first and second with no outs, the Halos couldn’t capitalize and add a bigger cushion to their lead. Anthony Rendon grounded into a double play and Albert Pujols popped out. Luckily, it didn’t come back to bite them, as Mike Mayers threw a scoreless ninth inning.
It was yet another great start from Andrew Heaney, who has really begun to find his groove recently on the mound. He gave his team 6 2⁄3 strong innings of three-run ball. He struck out eight and issued only one walk. Heaney has now allowed three runs or fewer in four of his last five starts. He’s also stuck out at least eight in three of his last five starts.
Though the Angels probably wish he could have been a little more consistent throughout the season, this is definitely a positive sign for him heading into the offseason.
Notables
- Shohei Ohtani was in the lineup for the first time in a week. Not a bad way to respond in your first AB. He finished the night with two hits, the only player on the team with a multi-hit game.
Guess who's back, back again.
— Los Angeles Angels (@Angels) September 20, 2020
Shohei's back, tell a friend. pic.twitter.com/7SFKxDM2ii
- David Fletcher tied the game in the fifth inning on this swing
Expanding the zone works unless you're pitching to David Fletcher. pic.twitter.com/UM9acQ11xZ
— Los Angeles Angels (@Angels) September 20, 2020
Saturday particulars
WP: Mike Mayers (2-0) 2 IP, 3 SO, 0 ER
LP: Brett Martin (0-1) 1 IP, 1 R
HR: Shohei Ohtani (6) Leody Taveras (3)
Up next
The Angels will look for another win tomorrow afternoon. Julio Teheran will take the mound for the Halos. First pitch is at 1:10 p.m. PT on Fox Sports West. The Angels will enter the day 3.5 games out of a playoff spot with seven games remaining.