"We're the Fighters": Ward's seven-game slam cannon helped the Angels win seven in a row

When the angels are in full swing, it's hard to give up on any game.

On Thursday (the rest of the game is in the local time of the United States), the team staged another comeback. Taylor Ward, who was hot in his hand, blasted a slam shot in the seventh game to lead the Angels to a 10-5 away win over Athletics, extending their winning streak to seven. It was Ward's eighth consecutive long game, becoming the first player in Angels history to do so since Tim Salmon played from July 28 to August 5, 2000.

"Honestly, I feel like I can hit any incoming ball," said Ward, who equalled his career record with five points per game, "and now the tempo is in my control and luck is on my side." "

This victory once again demonstrates the power of the Angels' teamwork. They won seven in a row for the first time since September 25 to October 2, 2022, and completed back-to-back road sweeps on the road following the sweep of the Dodgers – the first time the team swept the Athletics and Rangers from September 27 to October 2, 2022. During the last 16 games and 11 wins, the Angels averaged 5.9 points per game.

"We are the fighters," defines the team as the shortstop Zach Neto, "and there is no better way to put it into account." We stick to the established strategy, conduct in-depth discussions at the crackdown meeting, and enjoy an atmosphere of mutual trust. Everyone knows that even if they miss, their teammates behind them can step up. "

Angels have won seven consecutive away games, the longest since 30 March to 24 April 2018 (11 straight away wins). It was also the first time since 10-13 July 1997 that the team had swept Athletic in four away games in Auckland.

In addition to Ward's final hit, Neto hit 3 hits to return 2 points and contribute 1 RBS, Nolan Schanuel hit 1 hit 3 hits and 1 hit to 1 to run back to 1 point, and Logan O'Hoppe added a rebound in the seventh game after a slam shot.

"There's no panic in this team," Neto said of the attacking genes, "and we enjoy ourselves on the pitch and know that if we have the bat, we can equalize or even overtake at any time. The Angels' practice of adding three points in the ninth game to seal the victory confirmed this calmness.

Ohape hit three straight hits and hit four home runs in the series. He is tied with Ward for sixth in the major leagues with 14 hits (level with Sidewinder's Eugenio Suarez). This is the sixth time in the history of the Angels that they have hit at least two hits in six consecutive games, tying the record set in 1961 and 2019.

"I've watched a kid grow," head coach Ron Washington said of Ohape, "and all the hard work is coming to fruition from last year to spring training to the start of the season." He's growing in confidence, and that's why you see all of this – he's got that kind of strength. "

A line-up burst saved starting pitcher Tyler Anderson, who missed five points with a rare six-run run in 4.2 innings. But the bullpen duo of Hunter Strickland, Reid Detmers, Ryan Zeferjahn and Conner Broggdon combined for 4.1 games without conceding a point to set the stage for a comeback.

"The team-mates were incredible," Anderson lamented, "and the never-give-up spirit was so crucial to watch it all boil. "

After a 10-game road trip against the Padres, Dodgers, and Athletics, the Angels will return home to face the Marlins (19-29) and Yankees (30-19). They are currently tied for third in the American League West with the Rangers at 24-25 and are looking to continue their momentum at home.

"The 11-day away campaign is finally over and we are eager to go home," Washington admits, "and we can't expect to win like this forever, but I believe the team has the ability to hold the score, and that's the basis for the comeback." "