ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Just a week ago, the Los Angeles Angels appeared to be finished in the playoff race. They had lost three straight games to the AL West-leading Texas Rangers, and they were one inning away from a fourth straight defeat and an eight-game deficit.
One swing from rookie slugger Mark Trumbo changed everything.
After Trumbo’s two-run, game-ending homer on Aug. 18, the Angels have been practically perfect. Los Angeles has won a season-high six straight games heading into Texas for a crucial three-game series with the Rangers, whose slump has left them just 212 games ahead of the hard-charging Angels.
The Angels realize the weekend won’t decide their playoff fate, not with a month to go. They’re simply happy they prevented their season from slipping away too soon.
