They won’t have to face Marco Gonzales again Thursday, though the Angels will be forced to try to solve James Paxton, who meets their one cringing criterion:
Sure, Paxton also is 8-3 and pitched a no-hitter this season. But the fact he works with his left hand might be the most ominous indicator of all.
“We’ve looked at everything,” manager Mike Scioscia said. “Historically, we have some guys who are really, really dynamic hitters against left-handed pitching who haven’t gotten into their groove for whatever reason.”
Gonzales (10-5) gave up only consecutive one-out singles in the fourth inning, the Angels failing to score when Upton struck out and Pujols grounded out.