Angels must play a perfect game to beat the Astros

Tonight, the Angels will face the Astro’s for the second of a three game series. The Angels must play perfect tonight, everyone including Mike Scioscia, must be locked in.

The Angels have played in some close games against the Astros this season. In fact, the margin for error appears to be extremely minimal. Take last night for example, Matt Shoemaker gave up only one run through six innings.

Shoemaker was impressive in his outing, keeping Jose Altuve and company off the home plate.

The game was far from over despite the dominant performance from Lance McCullers, who only allowed four hits, four walks, and struck-out 10 batters last night in Houston.

The Angels still had a chance thanks to the outstanding pitching of Matt Shoemaker. However, when the pitching change was made, we saw Joe Smith relieve Matt Shoemaker. Shoemakers pitch count was at 101, Smith’s first pitch following Shoemaker was an RBI single George Springer.

My first thought was why didn’t Cam Bedrosian take the mound? Why did Joe Smith go out there instead of Cam?

From what we have heard and been led to believe is that Bedrosian was supposed to be the new set up man after his impressive first half of the season. So, why wasn’t he out there?

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The game was far from over when Shoemaker exited the mound. Sure, the Angels struggled to stay on base until Andrelton Simmons hit an RBI single in the ninth; however, the game could have been different had Sosh went with a different relief pitcher.

Looking ahead to tonights game, the question will remain if Sosh will bring in Joe Smith or Cam Bedrosian late in the game. Jered Weaver will get the start tonight, Weaver has been impressive during the month of July.

Next: Angels have another relief pitcher

Since 2011, Weaver has only lost 2 games during the month of July. The Angels were rolling since the All-Star break winning six in a row until last night.