The Los Angeles Angels are off to a flying start, reminiscent of their 2007 kickoff, as they aim to go 3-0 against their AL West rivals, the Houston Astros, on Saturday.
So, who exactly are these Angels this season?
With a 2-0 beginning, the Angels are eyeing their first 3-0 start since they swept the Texas Rangers back in 2007. Few expected the Angels to come out swinging, especially against a formidable opponent like the Astros, but here we are, witnessing something special.
Leading the charge is three-time MVP Mike Trout, who seems to be back in peak form. Over the first two games, the Angels have outscored the Astros 9-2, thanks in large part to Trout's contributions.
He's homered in both matchups, drawn four walks, and even swiped a base on Opening Day. It's clear Trout is playing at an elite level again after battling injuries over the past few years.
In the second game, Trout went 3-for-4, playing a pivotal role in the Angels' victory over Houston's right-hander Mike Burrows. Burrows, who lasted 5.2 innings, gave up five runs on nine hits, including a three-run blast to left fielder Josh Lowe. Lowe's homer in the second inning, part of his two-hit performance, set the tone for the Angels' win.
Shortstop Zach Neto added to the fireworks with a ninth-inning homer and collected two hits overall. First baseman Nolan Schanuel also impressed, going 2-for-3 with two walks.
On the mound, Angels' lefty Yusei Kikuchi managed to navigate around eight hits over 4.1 innings, allowing just two runs while striking out three. The bullpen has been lights out, pitching 7.2 scoreless innings, surrendering just one hit and four walks, while racking up nine strikeouts.
Next up for the Angels is left-hander Reid Detmers, who had a solid run in the bullpen last season, boasting a 3.96 ERA and 80 strikeouts over 63.2 innings. Detmers will face off against Astros' righty Cristian Javier.
Javier, plagued by injuries, has been limited to 15 starts over the past two seasons, posting a 4.62 ERA in that span. The Astros will be counting on him to stifle Trout and the Angels to avoid a rare 0-3 start.
While official lineups are yet to be announced, expect both teams to stick closely to their previous setups, with potential minor adjustments based on matchups.