Angels rough up Kuroda, win series opener 13-1

Source: FanGraphs

Can’t say that was a fun way to start the homestand. The Angels demolished the Yankees 13-1 on Friday night in a classic let down game following that wild series up in Boston. This was not one for the highlight reel. Let’s recap the blowout loss:

• Hi-Rocked: Hiroki Kuroda couldn’t get his offspeed pitches to behave for the second straight start, but unlike last time out, he was unable to limit the damage. The Halos tattooed Kuroda for eight runs (six earned) — the most he’s ever allowed in MLB — on ten hits in only 4.2 innings. Six of the ten hits came in two-strike counts because he didn’t have a finish pitch. It’s the first time Kuroda failed to complete five innings in a start since last May. Yuck. Shake it off, do better next time.
• NOffense: I thought C.J. Wilson was really, really sharp in this game. He was throwing four pitches for strikes and he had the Yankees off balance all night. They didn’t score their only run until his pitch count was over the century mark and he started to run out of gas in the sixth. Brett Gardner had two hits, Derek Jeter walked and singled, Carlos Beltran doubled, Yangervis Solarte walked twice, John Ryan Murphy and Brian Roberts both singled in garbage time, and that was it. Wilson shut the Yankees right down.
• Leftovers: Shout out to Bruce Billings for sparing the bullpen. He allowed four runs and threw 76 pitches across four innings, so chances are he will be sent to Triple-A or designated for assignment in favor of a fresh arm tomorrow. The World Series ring will be in the mail … Shawn Kelley got the final out of the ninth because he hadn’t worked in a week … six of the Bombers’ last eight games have been decided by six or more runs, which is nuts. The Yankees have now allowed double-digit runs an MLB-high four times this season.

MLB.com has the box score and video highlights, FanGraphs some other stats, and ESPN the updated standings. The Yankees will try to rebound behind Vidal Nuno on Saturday afternoon. The Angels will send Newark-raised left-hander Hector Santiago to the mound. If you watch to catch the game, check out RAB Tickets.