Angels Continue to Win, Down Mariners 6-5

Here’s a little bit of irony for you; the Angels got eliminated (officially) from postseason contention today. We all know that this was a foregone conclusion a month ago, but for the few that were holding onto hope, you can let go now. The game that forced the Angels out of contention was the Indians and Astros game earlier today. The Indians victory, eliminated the Angels. The Indians starting pitcher this afternoon? Scott Kazmir. Yeah, let that roll around in you head for a little bit.

All cosmic effects aside, it was just another day in the life of the Angels playing like the team that everyone expected them to play like back in April. Jerome Williams walked as many as he struck out, but was able to limit damage to one run through 5.2 innings. The bullpen was slightly on the wrong side of the awful line thanks to Cory Rasmus, J.C. Gutierrez and Ernesto Frieri combining to allow four runs (three earned). And the offense outdid it’s opponent by scoring just enough runs to ensure a victory and a lit halo.

Colin Cowgill had himself a night. The midseason pickup went 2-2 with a walk, hit a home run, a double, and he stole home. Mike Trout didn’t reach base for the first time in, I think, forever. It has to be some kind of a record. But along with Trout, the top five hitters in the lineup combined to go 1-19 with a walk. Erick Aybar got the only hit in that group, and Mark Trumbo drew the only walk. The bottom four hitters in the lineup went a combined 5-11 with a walk and were credited with each run that was driven in by the Angels.

The People for the Ethical Treatment of Dead Horses is going to be upset with me over this but, it’s a real shame that this team waited until September to get rolling. This really is a juggernaut of a baseball club, but that inability to be consistent all season long is why they are 8.5 games out of a Wild Card spot with eight games remaining on the schedule. Kind of makes me feel like this:

Oh well, there’s always next year, right?

The Angels close out the season series with Mariners tomorrow when they C.J. Wilson to the mound against Felix Hernandez. C.J. will be trying to lockdown his 18th win while Felix will be looking to put the finishing touches on a season that should garner come serious Cy Young consideration. Game time is at 12:35 PM PST. Light up the halo. Light the 2013 season on fire.