The Los Angeles Angels have been mediocre since the trade deadline and yesterday they were scheduled to face Justin Verlander and the Astros in Houston.
Recall that the management of the Angels has decided to play it all out while keeping Shohei Ohtani in his training while making a few transactions in order to participate in the playoffs. Since then, it’s been a drought and the team’s supporters will probably have to mourn the phenomenal Ohtani, who will be looking for a change of scenery at the end of this campaign.
Until then, the Angels must compete and try to win games for the honor.
Yesterday, Justin Verlander became the 49th player in history to start a 500th game. The veteran made it big by winning this game to the delight of Astros fans gathered at Minute Maid Park.
The Astros won 11-3 and Jon Singleton took the opportunity to hit his first two major league home runs since 2015. Yes, you read that right, 2015. Singleton is trying to come back to the game this season, he who started the year with the Milwaukee Brewers before setting foot in Houston.
A former top prospect for the Astros, Singleton went through a downward spiral due to drug-related issues. He played for the Astros in 2014 and 2015 before disappearing and resurfacing this season.
Singleton also drove in five runs as part of the Angels rout.
As for him, Verlander worked for six sets and he gave the three points to the visitors. CJ Cron, fresh from Los Angeles at the deadline, took the opportunity to hit his 12th home run of the season. Verlander still struck out seven Angels batters.
Reid Detmers, the Angels starter, was the victim of two long balls from Singleton, in the second and third innings.
Acting as the hitter of choice, Shohei Ohtani could not do better than to make a hit in four at bats.
By the way, Verlander earned his 251st career victory, placing him 45th all-time, tied with Bob Gibson and CC Sabathia.
