With the weight of a semi-downward spiral surrounding them, the Los Angeles Angels needed to find a way to scratch out a win against the San Francisco Giants on Wednesday.
Their ace, Shohei Ohtani, had already turned in a solid start, notching six innings, allowing just three hits and one unearned run. Facing Giants lefty Sean Manaea in the sixth inning, the Angels had tallied a game-tying RBI off the bat of Brandon Drury.
In stepped Mike Moustakas, a veteran infielder acquired to add both depth, and in this case at-bat quality, to a roster deprived of left-handed thump at the corners. With two on and down in an 0-2 count, Giants reliever Tristan Beck served up a hanging sweeper that Moustakas deposited into the right-field seats.
His swing gave the Angels a huge 4-1 lead, which would go on to be the final score. The 34-year-old has made his presence felt with the team, using the same approach that turned him into a trade piece earlier in the season, per the Associated Press:
“I’m finally healthy and not fighting any injuries, so I’m able to play at the level I’m used to playing at,” Moustakas said. “The fun part of being in these games is having a chance to drive big runs in. I love being in those situations and getting the job done.”
Moustakas has played in his fair share of postseason games, winning a World Series with the Kansas City Royals during their several playoff runs. Now with the Angels, he’s splitting time at first and third base, providing manager Phil Nevin with a big bat that has an ability to change a game.
In 137 at-bats with the Angels, Moustakas has seven home runs, 23 RBI and 18 runs scored. It’s his best offensive season since 2019 while playing with the Milwaukee Brewers, and luckily for his new club, his best swings have come during some key points.
Looking ahead at Angels schedule
With quite the uphill climb, the Angels have a few division matchups on the schedule. Beginning on Friday, they open a three-game set with the Houston Astros, followed up by three with the Texas Rangers.
Both of those series’ have a chance to set the Angels in striking range, or put their playoff hopes completely out of reach. But if there is any good news that comes out of the next week, is that they come back home to face the struggling Tampa Bay Rays and the Cincinnati Reds, whom also have fallen on tough times.
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