Albert Pujols Hits Home Run 615

A couple historic things happened in the Anaheim Angels opener in Oakland today, a game they lost 6-5 in 12 innings to the A’s.

1. Albert Pujols hit career home run #615. It’s almost unbelievable to me how long Pujols has been at this. He was coming into his own, looking like an all-time great when I was in High School. When I was in college, his legacy as the unstoppable machine he is was cemented. Now I’m going into my older years with two kids and he’s hitting opening day bombs that allow him to inch closer to Ken Griffey Jr. (630). It’s true what scouts say: power is the last thing to go before the lights go out.
2. Mike Trout went 0 for 6 for the first time in his career today. He’s been Mr. Opening Day in the past.
3. Shohei Ohtani collected his first big league hit; a single, in his first career big league at-bat. He jumped on the first pitch, similar to what a high school hitter tries to do. Just keep it simple.

All in all, it wasn’t a good day for the Angels. Garrett Richards got blown up by Matt “Tugboat” Olson for a home run. Khris Davis had a three-run shot and four RBI on the day. Cam Bedrosian was his usual bed-shitting at the wrong times self.

The Angels will scrap and fight and be in ballgames all year. They’re a decent little team. But it was not a banner opening day.