Torii Hunter talks about Mike Napoli as Los Angeles Angels fall out of regular season with a loss
Los Angeles Angels’ right-fielder, Torii Hunter had a lot to say on Wednesday, September 28 when his team lost 1-3 to the Texas Rangers at Angel Stadium in Anaheim.
The outfielder talked about his former team-mate, Mike Napoli who smashed two homers to steer the visitors home with a victory. Hunter reflected on the former Angels’ catcher as he witnessed the star rise up to the moment to hit two homers.
Mike Napoli smashed his first homer in the second inning against rookie starter Garrett Richards. The hard hitter was in the ninth to smash another homer as he led Michael Young home with a hard slam to the left with a tie breaking shot. The 3-1 score line
spelled Napoli and it marked the first time he reached or crossed the 30 home-runs mark in his career.
Whether Napoli was trying to make a statement or not, his batting average of .320 shows what talent has laid dormant in his arsenal when he was hitting with the Angels. The victory in the series means the Rangers will head back to their home to face the
Tampa Bay Rays for the American League Division Series. Hunter expressed his desire to reach the top flight as well.
"I hate that this is behind us," Hunter said. "I would love to be playing in October, and so would the rest of the guys. It just didn't happen for us."
Nevertheless, Hunter was expressive about Napoli’s ability.
"Home runs, power, that doesn't shock me from Nap," Hunter said. "He has ungodly power. He's grown into one of the elite players, hitters. He's still one of my buddies, friends. I love him to death - and hate playing against him."
With Napoli cementing himself in the Rangers’ line-up, it will be a wonder to see if he will be as effective as he was against the Angels when the Tampa Bay Rays visit Rangers Ballpark for the Division Series. The Rangers will be looking to Napoli to guide
them against Tampa Bay in their thrilling encounter.
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