The Los Angeles Angels climbed their way out of a 4-0 hole in Monday’s series opener against the Cleveland Guardians. Reid Detmers gave up four runs on four hits in the second inning alone, but home runs by Matt Duffy and Mike Trout evened out the score.
Trout’s game-tying home run in the fifth inning was not only impactful due to the score, it was also another step closer towards a historic record. Trout has now homered in seven consecutive games played, not including Sunday, when he was out of the lineup and did not bat.
He sits just one game away from tying the AL/NL record of eight consecutive games with a home run, currently held by Ken Griffey Jr., Don Mattingly, and Dale Long.
Trout spoke about his record-setting pace and how he’s been able to find success over that span, according to Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com:
“I feel like I’ve just been getting good pitches to hit, and I’m putting good swings on them and they’re going out,” Trout said. “It felt good. I’m going up there ready to hit, and whatever happens, happens.”
When asked if he is thinking about the record as he goes to bat, he shifted the focus back to his approach every time he steps to the plate.
“It just happens. I just let it go. Try to have a good at-bat and get a good pitch to hit. I think about it after it happens, like you realize [the streak] is still going. But other than that, I don’t think about it.”
“I knew I needed five to tie the Angels record, and now I need eight,” Trout said. “It’s good company to be in. But I’ll come in tomorrow with the same approach.”
Trout continues to put up absurd numbers since returning from injury. In 21 games since Aug. 19, Trout is batting .313 with an 1.114 OPS, to go along with 11 home runs, 18 RBIs, and 17 runs scored.
Sadly, a seventh-inning run off of Aaron Loup gave the Guardians a 5-4 lead on Monday. They would hold on to this lead to take the first game of the series.
Andrew Velazquez endorses Ohtani for MVP
Meanwhile, the other Angels superstar continues to defy logic each and every night. After picking up his 12th win of the season as a pitcher, Ohtani went out and hit a home run in the first inning of the next game.
Following that, Andrew Velazquez endorsed Ohtani for the American League MVP, saying that he feels Ohtani is on another level of value after playing with both him and Aaron Judge.