It all began innocuously enough for the Angels, with a lighthearted moment of trivia as they became the first team in nearly three years to hit back-to-back-to-back home runs on just three pitches.
.jpg "Halos ride 13-run inning to historic night at Coors")
But what followed was a spiraling sequence of events that saw the Angels relentless in their run-scoring barrage against the Rockies. The three consecutive homers ignited a monstrous 13-run third inning, and the Angels proceeded to add eight more runs in the fourth, resulting in a wild 25-1 triumph at Coors Field on Saturday. This historic performance witnessed the Angels establish new club records for runs and hits (28) in a single game. Furthermore, the colossal 24-run victory margin marked the largest in franchise history and the third largest by any team since 1900.
Manager Phil Nevin expressed his thoughts on the extraordinary offensive outburst: "We displayed an aggressive approach, attacking pitches within the strike zone. Sometimes hitting becomes contagious," he remarked. "To be honest, we found some fortuitous gaps, and the timely power hits further solidified our lead."
Previously, the Angels' highest run tally in a game stood at 24, achieved in a commanding 24-2 victory over the Blue Jays on August 25, 1979. As for hits, the team had reached the mark of 26 twice before. Additionally, the Angels' 13-run third inning matched a franchise record set in both 1997 and 1978. Remarkably, they also equaled a club record with four home runs in that same inning.
In the first four innings alone, the Angels scored a staggering 23 runs, which stands as the third-highest total in MLB history. Only the Cubs, with 25 runs on August 25, 1922, and the Pirates, with 24 runs on June 6, 1894, surpassed this feat. Furthermore, the Angels' accumulation of 21 runs across two consecutive innings equals the all-time MLB record, a record initially set by the aforementioned Pirates in 1894.
However, Nevin aimed to downplay any excessive celebration surrounding this historic achievement: "I'm pleased that our bats came alive, but it's essential to maintain respect for the game," Nevin asserted. "Buddy Black and the individuals on their side are people I deeply care about, so we must avoid letting the situation escalate."
The noteworthy performances of Mickey Moniak and Hunter Renfroe cannot go unnoticed. Both players achieved a perfect 5-for-5 batting record. Moniak, with three doubles and a home run, matched the franchise record for the most extra-base hits in a game with four. Falling just a triple short of completing the cycle, Moniak provided an amusing moment in the sixth inning when he nearly stumbled on his way to second base, much to the amusement of his teammates in the dugout.
Superstar Mike Trout initiated the spectacular offensive surge in the third inning with a solo blast, crushing a 1-0 fastball from right-hander Chase Anderson to kick-start the remarkable sequence. Brandon Drury swiftly followed suit with a home run of his own, connecting on a first-pitch cutter.
Next up, Matt Thaiss swiftly pounced on a first-pitch curveball, sending it sailing over the fence and securing back-to-back-to-back home runs for the Angels for the second time this season.
Nevin believed that the home runs provided the necessary spark, much like the boost the team received from the recent acquisitions of Eduardo Escobar and Mike Moustakas.
"When our sluggers get involved like that, it ignites the clubhouse," Nevin shared. "The team understands that our general manager is tirelessly working to reinforce our roster, ensuring we remain competitive even amidst personnel changes. It demonstrates our unity and determination."
The Angels' explosive third inning yielded a remarkable 13 runs, with contributions from Ward and Ohtani in the form of RBI singles. Drury delivered a two-run single, while Renfroe added to the onslaught with a three-run double. Escobar followed suit with an RBI single, setting the stage for Moniak's impressive two-run homer, extending the Angels' lead to a staggering 15-0.
"I don't think I've ever experienced anything quite like it," Moniak remarked. "It was an unstoppable succession of hits, and the quality of our at-bats was simply incredible."
The four homers in a single inning tied an Angels franchise record, matching a feat achieved on May 28, 2000, against Kansas City. The third inning also witnessed the Angels amass 10 hits and draw three walks, culminating in a truly astounding offensive display.
Not to be outdone, the Angels continued their offensive onslaught with an eight-run fourth inning, highlighted by Fletcher's three-run homer. They added one more run in the sixth inning and another in the eighth, further solidifying their dominance. Fletcher had initiated the scoring with a two-run single in the second inning.
While the spotlight primarily focused on the offensive fireworks, it is crucial to acknowledge right-hander Griffin Canning's exceptional performance. Canning delivered six scoreless innings, recording seven strikeouts. The Angels' sole blemish came in the eighth inning when lefty Kolton Ingram allowed a solo homer to Brenton Doyle.
"The standout moment for me was Griffin's exceptional pitching," Nevin emphasized. "He demonstrated remarkable control throughout the game, a testament to his skill. It's easy for a game like this to spiral out of control, but he held his ground."
The Angels' record-breaking victory at Coors Field left an indelible mark on baseball history, cementing their place among the elite offensive showcases of all time.