Angels Notes: Victory in D.C., Logan O'Hoppe's Perseverance, Anthony Rendon Reunion

J.P. Hoornstra | Aug 12, 2024

Aug 11, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Jack Kochanowicz (64) pitches against the Washington Nationals during the first inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports / Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

The Angels beat the Washington Nationals, 6-4 on Sunday, after back-to-back 10-inning losses in D.C. They'll return home to face the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday, the first of a three-game series.

Logan O'Hoppe's Dedication to Improving His Swing

Los Angeles Angels catcher Logan O'Hoppe hit a speed bump after moving to the No. 3 spot in the batting order, going into a significant 2-for-32 slump. O'Hoppe has committed to refining his swing amid his struggles, and it seems like the 24-year-old catcher will retain his place in the lineup for now.

Anthony Rendon Reflects on His Return to Nationals Park

In an emotional homecoming, third baseman Anthony Rendon discussed his feelings about returning to Nationals Park, where he was a perennial MVP candidate prior to joining the Angels. It was a nostalgic moment for a player who's struggled to stay healthy practically from the moment he left Washington D.C.

Angels Tweets of the Day

Right about now Michael Stefanic is thinking "When I was in Triple-A we could challenge these." pic.twitter.com/PIIypnNJUn

— Jeff Fletcher (@JeffFletcherOCR) August 11, 2024

Kevin Pillar clears the bases with a double to left and gets to third on the throw. It's a five-run fourth so far for the #Angels. Up 5-0. Great baserunning all-around from Zach Neto and Pillar. Neto reached 28.9 feet per second. pic.twitter.com/swlGFgQr0q

— Rhett Bollinger (@RhettBollinger) August 11, 2024

Jack Kochanowicz allows his first run on a solo shot from Jacob Young to open the eighth inning. #Angels up 5-1. It came on his 76th pitch, as he's been very efficient.

— Rhett Bollinger (@RhettBollinger) August 11, 2024

Final: #Angels 6, #Nationals 4: Jack Kochanowicz gets his first career win by allowing 2 ER over 7 2/3 IP. Ben Joyce allows 2 ER in the ninth but gets double play with bases loaded to end it. Angels draw 13 walks. Kevin Pillar with three-run double.

— Rhett Bollinger (@RhettBollinger) August 11, 2024

first career W for Kochanowicz! 🥳#RepTheHalo | #SoCalMcD pic.twitter.com/7BlPmVWN9X

— Los Angeles Angels (@Angels) August 11, 2024

Last #Angels pitcher to record at least as many outs as their age was Patrick Sandoval's complete game at age-25 on Aug. 19, 2022 at Detroit. https://t.co/3DIOc0Du9j

— Matt Birch (@MattBirch12) August 11, 2024

The Angels hit their low point this season after game 59. They were 21-38 (.356).

Since then they have played 59 games. They are 31-28 (.525)

— Jeff Fletcher (@JeffFletcherOCR) August 11, 2024

First Big League W for Jack Kochanowicz!

7.2 IP
2 ER

Sinker up to 98 produced 13 Groundball outs 👀

He also threw 4 innings where he threw less than 10 pitches and saved a worn down Angels bullpen.

Let’s go Jacko! 📈#Develop #Angels #MLB@Jared_Tims @TalkinHalos pic.twitter.com/4fPDHu11lq

— Baseball Performance Center (@The_BPCsj) August 11, 2024