Jose Soriano put on a clinic against the Houston Astros, striking out seven over six shutout innings and leading the Los Angeles Angels to a 3-0 victory on Opening Day. Soriano's performance was a masterclass in pitching, showcasing his powerful sinker and devastating knuckle-curve.
Kicking off his fourth major league season, the 27-year-old right-hander made a strong case as the Angels’ Opening Day starter. For fans worried about the team’s pitching depth, Soriano’s outing was a welcome sight.
Soriano was electric, allowing just two hits and four walks across his six innings. He threw 91 pitches, mixing them up with precision.
His sinker, clocking in at over 98 mph, was his primary weapon, achieving a 38.9% whiff rate. But it was his knuckle-curve that truly baffled the Astros, boasting an impressive 72.7% whiff rate.
Not to be outdone, his four-seamer averaged over 99 mph, even touching triple digits.
The Angels’ bullpen-featuring Wilbert Urena, Chase Silseth, Drew Pomeranz, and Jordan Romano-sealed the shutout, but Soriano was the undeniable star. Despite a lackluster spring training, he rose to the occasion when it counted.
For Angels fans, Soriano’s performance offers a glimmer of hope. With the rotation’s lower end looking uncertain, Soriano, alongside Yusei Kikuchi and Reid Detmers, could be crucial to the team’s success. While he might not carry the title of ace, Soriano certainly pitched like one.
In a season that might have its share of challenges, starting with a win is something the Angels and their fans can savor. Soriano’s standout performance sets a promising tone, and both he and the fans will be eager to see more of this throughout the season.