Los Angeles Angels slam the Texas Rangers with a record losing season (Part 1)
The Los Angeles Angels were always going to go into their last match with their minds focused on the record loss in the league, this season. Manager Mike Scioscia had been having a bad time in the dugout. For a team that had the
chance to go up against the Oakland Athletics for the 2nd place in the American League West Division, that was a possibility that could have been availed earlier. They lost much of their encounters in the middle of the league calendar and it would
not be fair to call the side incapable of carving out the wins when the fans urged the players to perform, but given the nature of the situation, it was essential for the side to do its best. Unfortunately, that was too late now.
The side however, was picking up its pace in the recent days and when September came; team spirit rose up and challenged the top teams in the league. Most matches were won but in relevance to the other ball clubs, there was no
way a wildcard berth would be availed at that point. When the team came out on Sunday to perform in the Rangers’ Ballpark, there were not many supporters in the stands for the visiting squad. They faced the Texas Rangers that night and it was going to mark
their last game of the season. The series was squared and with the hosts through to the finals, the Angels had nothing but pride and honour to play for. With the series squared, it was to be the fixture that would not only showcase the home team’s form but
their ability on the field.
The Rangers’ on the other hand were going to play in front of a crowd of 45,446 supporters in the stands. The night was going to spell out a lot of things for the West division champions. For Starters there was the case of who
the team would face in the playoffs. With the New York Yankees and the Tampa Bay Rays facing off against different teams in the league, it was still unclear who would lead the East division and the campaign against the Texas side. The next issue dealt with
who would triumph in the last game against Los Angeles, given that both sides were squared.
The last matter concerned Josh Hamilton who had recovered from a rib cage injury in the week and returned to the team to take on the Angels. The showman has been phenomenal this season and his presence in the field on Sunday provided
a great forum for the player to end his bid for the Most Valuable Player in the league with a positive note. His high batting average has been a thing to admire and with the playoffs coming on, his induction will give manager Ron Washington better options
to start the post season with.
The experience of Colby Lewis was brought on to the ballpark and the veteran would not have likened his chances more. After all, the playoffs are just around the corner. The 31 year old right hand thrower has been on the mark this
season, carrying a decent Earning Run Average (ERA) of 3.72. Ron would be expecting to curtail the Angels’ attack and thwart their chances at an easy victory. The player also had a chance to make it 200 strikeouts with 8 hitters missing the list.
Lewis had an adversary who was equally good and strong. Dan Haren represented the Angels and the mound and his figures were just as good. His ERA was a lot better than Colby’s. The 2.86 average was a far cry from his career value
and having played 35 games in the season, his inclusion was a huge plus for Los Angeles.
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