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To the surprise of many, the Los Angeles Angels are contending for the postseason in late June. For a team that has not made the postseason since 2014, and not won a playoff game in nearly fourteen years, it is a marked sign of improvement.
Over the past half-decade or so, the team has gotten a reputation for being one of the biggest disappointments in pro sports. Between their two superstars, Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani, the team is considered to have the two best players on earth.
A two-way sensation, Shohei Ohtani is unlike any other player in the MLB. A former MVP and Rookie of the Year, Ohtani is the first-ever player to strike out 100 while hitting at least 100 RBIs of his own. Mike Trout is a 3-time MVP and offensive super-slugger in his own right. Despite having the two studs, the team's fortunes have been no better off.
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"The Angels outscored the Rockies 32-12 this weekend...in a series that they lost" - Talkin' Baseball
On June 24, the Angels beat the Colorado Rockies by a final score of 25-1. The game represented the biggest win of the MLB season. However, after losing both Friday and Saturday's games, the Angels lost the weekend series 2-1, despite outscoring the opposition 32-12. Fans took to Twitter to lambaste the Angels for their typical irony.
Many fans revived the "Tungsten Arm O'Doyle" meme. A complex internet phenomenon, the inside joke is meant to show how Shohei Ohtani may set historic bests in his own gameplay but seems to give his team a negligible advantage when it comes to collective goals.
With a record of 42-37, the Los Angeles Angels now sit six games back of the Texas Rangers, who lead the AL West. However, the team stands just one game back of the Wild Card spot, leading many to retain hope for the Halos this season.
Los Angeles Angels' problems were summed up in Rockies series
While Shohei Ohtani went 4-for-12 with a home run and a double in the series, the Los Angeles Angels were still unable to win. The years-old irony with the Angels thus persists.
Despite having some of the strongest hitters ever, as well as the most dynamic pitching, putting together wins on a consistent basis remains a challenge, which might be reason enough for Ohtani to leave the club when his contract expires soon.
