Let’s see if this goes better this time around
The Guardians lost a series to the Angels in April, getting outscored 22-14. Have things changed?
The Guardians are 30-25 with a -17 run differential, 20th in MLB at 95 wRC+, 21st in Baserunning Runs Above Average at -1.3, sixth in Defense at 2.5, 25th in starting pitcher SIERA at 4.44, and seventh in bullpen SIERA at 3.40.
The Angels are 25-30 with a -56 run differential. Interestingly enough, the Angels went on a recent winning streak to get to .500 and now come in on a five-game losing streak. They are 24th in MLB at 92 wRC+, 9th in Baserunning Runs Above Average at 1.2, 29th in Defense at -21.5, last in starting pitcher SIERA at 4.79, and 23rd in bullpen SIERA at 3.99.
The Angels are a bad team. The Guardians need to find a way to win this series, and part of that will be putting the ball in play and getting to the Angels’ starters.
Matchups:
Game One, Jose Soriano, RHP 4.05 SIERA vs. Luis Ortiz, RHP 4.06 SIERA
Game Two, Kyle Hendricks, RHP 4.85 SIERA vs. Slade Cecconi, RHP 2.59 SIERA
Game Three, Jack Kochanowicz, RHP 4.99 SIERA vs. Gavin Williams, RHP 4.29 SIERA
Among their hitters, the Angels’ leading contributors are Zach Neto at 139 wRC+ (try not to think about how reportedly our front office wanted to draft this young shortstop), Yoan Moncada at 128 wRC+, Logan O’Hoppe at 127 wRC+, Nolan Schanuel at 114 wRC+ and Taylor Ward at 105 wRC+.
The Guardians’ offense is led by Jose Ramirez and his 21-game hit streak with a 152 wRC+, Steven Kwan (hopefully) with a 132 wRC+, Daniel Schneemann at 129 wRC+, Carlos Santana at 119 wRC+ and Kyle Manzardo at 109 wRC+.
Don’t let Neto and O’Hoppe beat you, and you should have a good shot at taking this series. Let’s hope the Guardians can build on a big win against the Dodgers and a much-needed off-day and come out strong.