The 14-20 Los Angeles Angels will play game two of their three-game series at home against the 16-19 Toronto Blue Jays on May 7. This contest promises to be an exciting encounter as both teams feature former All-Stars on the pitching staffs.
The Angels Are Gaining Traction as They Approach Game 2
The Angels secured the first game with an 8-3 victory, thanks largely to a surge of six runs in the eighth inning. This rally was capped off by Yoán Moncada’s three-run homer and Jo Adell’s solo blast. Tyler Anderson once again put up a solid performance and might turn into the Angels’ most valuable trade asset when the summer trading period rolls around.
On May 7, Los Angeles’ Yusei Kikuchi will face off against Toronto’s José Berríos. This game marks Kikuchi’s attempt at securing his first victory this season versus his previous club. Despite entering with a 4.21 ERA, concerns over his command persist as evidenced by his 11.7% walk rate. Throughout 36 innings pitched, he has conceded 37 hits resulting in a high 1.54 WHIP, placing him among the top in that category across the league.
Berríos, who has pitched like an ace at times, currently looks more like a mid-rotation arm with a 3.98 ERA. His WHIP isn’t far behind Kikuchi’s at 1.38, but he’s given up just two runs over his last 12 innings in starts against the Yankees and Red Sox.
On the injury front, the Angels are without three-time AL MVP Mike Trout, who’s recovering from a bone bruise in his left knee. The good news is that this IL stint is expected to be shorter than some of his past absences. The bullpen is also banged up, missing closer Kenley Jansen and hard-throwing relievers Ben Joyce and Sam Bachman.
The Blue Jays are largely in good health, except for a few reserve players and starting pitcher Max Scherzer, who is coping with thumb inflammation.
On offense, Toronto is spearheaded by outfielder George Springer, who has returned to his All-Star caliber performance. He ranks among the top 10 players in both batting average (.316) and OPS (.960).
In Mike Trout’s absence for the Angels, catcher Logan O’Hoppe has risen to the occasion with an impressive .902 OPS, establishing himself as one of the premier young catchers in baseball.
Blue Jays Hold the Advantage This Evening
The match offers the Angels an opportunity to gain some traction, yet they will require a solid performance from Kikuchi to stay competitive. As Berrios improves and the Toronto lineup hits their stride, the Blue Jays hold the advantage. Nevertheless, securing victory today might alter the atmosphere of the home series for Anaheim.
The bookmakers see Toronto as a 1.5-run favorite, which appears to be quite reasonable.
The forecast: Blue Jays win this game with a score of 7-4.
