It was a rough weekend if you were a rookie starting pitcher for the Angels. Sean O’Sullivan’s Friday night start ended in a close 4-5 loss thanks to a 3-run shot from Mike Napoli in the top of the 9th. However, after his 1-inning 4-run performance, the Angels decided to send him back down to the minors to work out some kinks. This was his fourth consecutive outing allowing at least 4 runs in no more than 5 innings. The Halos called on Southern California local Trevor Bell to pitch today, but he also struggled, giving up 6 earned runs in just 1.2 innings of work.

The blame can’t totally be put on the pitching staff. The Angels have been scoring in droves, averaging a little over 6 runs a game in August. However they only broke 6 once this weekend in the 7-3 win on Saturday (which was also Ervin Santana’s 4th win in a row; hopefully the beginning of a great trend). Chone Figgins, Bobby Abreu, Torii Hunter, and Kendry Morales collectively batted 9-for-43 with 3 runs, 2 RBIs, and 11 strikeouts.

However, there were some highlights. Napoli has proven again that he can come up big with runners in scoring position. Vladimir Guerrero had a great weekend, batting 6-for-14 with 4 runs, a homerun and a RBI. Juan Rivera also continued his stellar 2009 season, batting 5-for-13 with a couple RBIs and knocking out his 20th homerun. Angels relief pitchers also had a successful weekend, as 7 relievers pitched 16.2 innings, only allowing 3 runs. Control was an issue though, allowing 16 hits and walking 7.

Jose Arredondo looked back to his dominant 2008 form, striking out 5 in 3 innings while only giving up 1 hit. Darren Oliver and Kevin Jepsen also pitched scoreless innings, striking out 3 in the process. Shane Loux finally bounced back after three poor outings, throwing 2 shut out innings.

The Angels head back to Anaheim to take on the Detroit Tigers, who are first in the AL Central. They are 6-4 in their last 10 games, and are currently 3-3 with the Halos after the first two series. The Tigers will send out their ace Justin Verlander, who was out-dueled by Santana despite an 8-inning, 7K shut out performance. The Angels will send Jered Weaver out on the mound Monday night, who will make his first appearance after a complete game shut out last Wednesday. Get excited to watch a great game at 7:05pm on Fox Sports West. Go Halos!

-Kevin H.