Like many of our friends throughout the SB Nation network, we are simulating the 2020 MLB season with MLB The Show 20. While we are unable to stream the games as they would otherwise be happening, we will try to get ahead of the curve and post about the games on the same day they would have taken place. Or, you know, at least get them back on schedule. Now, onto the recap!
The Los Angeles Angels tagged Michael Fulmer for five runs in the third inning, and made an early lead stand up in a 5-1 victory over the simulated Detroit Tigers on Wednesday evening. Detroit’s offense managed just three hits despite knocking Angels starter Felix Peña out after just four innings.
The baseball gods were not on Fulmer’s side in the third, when Los Angeles took their five-run lead. After an opposite field single from Erick Salcedo to open the inning, Michael Hermosillo’s line drive glanced off of Jonathan Schoop’s glove, leaving two runners on base. Andrelton Simmons followed with a softly hit single that just barely landed in fair territory, scoring the first run of the game. A double play ball brought in another run, but Fulmer’s bad luck continued. Mike Trout threaded a ground ball single past Jeimer Candelario at third base, and Tommy La Stella got a couple of favorable calls in drawing a walk. Even the big blow of the inning, a three-run homer from Jason Castro, was on a well-located pitch down and in.
But the damage was done, and even after Fulmer settled down to record seven more outs, the Tigers could not keep up. C.J. Cron brought home a run in the fourth to put the Tigers on the board, but that would be the last hit they could manage in the game, as the Angels’ bullpen combined to keep the Tigers scoreless over the final five innings.
While this game was not the Tigers’ best effort, Ivan Nova was a bright spot. In relief of Fulmer, Nova threw three perfect innings out of the bullpen with a strikeout.
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