He saw 11 pitches. He deposited three of them over the wall. Torii Hunter became the second Angel since Adam Kennedy in 2002 to hit three homers in the same game. Coincidentally, Hunter stood in the outfield for all three of those Kennedy home runs. Garret Anderson also performed the feat in 2003 in Puerto Rico.
Through two games, the padres pitching has not proved to be an obstacle for the Angels. The home team got off to another early start when Juan Rivera provided a two run single in the first. From that point, Angel Stadium was homer central. Kendry Morales, Torii Hunter, then Hunter again, Kevin Kouzmanoff, Jeff Mathis, and Hunter a third time hit solo homers. When the smoke from the fireworks settled, the Angels led 8-1. They would add one more run on an infield single by Erick Aybar.
Joe Saunders finished the game just short of nine innings, primarily due to a couple of really awful misplays by Bobby Abreu. But Saunders lasted 8.1 innings, allowing only the Kouzmanoff homer as one of his eight hits. Kevin Jepsen induced a double play grounder from Chase Headley to end the game.
Thoughts on the game:
- Sean Rodriguez got into the game at the end as a pinch hitter and delivered a single. He won’t get many at bats, but hopefully while he’s up, Howie Kendrick will find his swing in Salt Lake. Part of the luxury of having a lot of middle infield talent is the ability to replace a guy when he doesn’t produce. Here’s hoping Howie isn’t gone for too long.
- Joe Saunders was better than he needed to be. This pitching staff has been up and down all year, and Saunders probably personfies that better than anyone. Let’s hope this is a step forward.
- Where would the Angels be without Torii Hunter this season? Seriously.
Fully Clips
Go Joe Bruin
Lake Show Life
Lasorda's Lair
Reign of Troy
Rink Royalty
