NEW YORK – A year ago on June 18, the Angels were on one of the worst teams in the Major Leagues, going 29-44, 14 games out of first place.
LA Angels & Jo Adell Are Rolling Deep These Days
This year is a different story under manager Ron Washington. Los Angeles won its third consecutive game against the Yankees, this time by the score of 3-2, at Yankee Stadium on Wednesday night. The Angels are now a game under .500 with a 36-37 record.
“I think it’s big for us,” said Angels outfielder Jo Adell. “We come in here in a hostile environment and we are able to get the job done. Wherever we are, we go out and try to win a game.”
Adell is one of the reasons the Angels have a record close to .500. He had a key hit in the victory by tying the game at 1 in the fifth inning with his 14th home run of the season. In his last 21 games, Adell has a slash line of .290/.364/.667 during that span.
“I saw two pitches – a sharp flyout and a home run – in two at-bats. That alludes to me being aggressive in the zone,” Adell said. “I understand that my power will play. I get pitches to handle, get a good swing and see what happens.”
Talk to Adell and he will be the first to tell you the chemistry on the Angels has changed for the better.
“This group of players are comfortable with one another. We have another year under our belts with the same coaching staff,” Adell said. “I think comradery is big when it comes to our ability to perform. We are not really getting to know each other. We already know each other at this point. We know each other’s capabilities.
“We are able to check each other when stuff gets out of line. I think that’s important as a team – to be close enough to be able to talk to each other. Have conversations when times get tough. We ultimately come together and find a way to win. That’s what we have done to this point. We just never give in to any games. We’ve come out and play as a brotherhood. Good things have happened.”
Ron Washington Has Transformed Angels Chemistry
The way Adell was talking after Wednesday’s victory, the Angels can do something special this year. He pointed out that the team has a talented roster that includes Zach Neto, Mike Trout and Logan O’Hoppe. The winning starts with a motivator like Washington, Adell said.
“You never know how far this team can go. This core of players is really important. I think it has been special,” Adell said. “We are excited to play this game. We want to win and compete. It’s evident every day. These guys are taking the first bus, showing up to the park and they want to get after it. It’s showing up on the field. We are taking care of business because these guys are excited about coming to the field and they want to win.”
