Author name: Rick "Ice" Berg

Ice Berg is one of LA Xtown Rivals' fantastic beat reporters. He mostly covers Los Angeles Baseball (in particular the LA Angels). He also steps in for other sports as needed, especially for work with the LA Rams, a team very close to his heart.

5/26/23 RB:

L Marlins 6-2

Welcome, baseball fans, to a thrilling matchup at Angel Stadium! I’m Rick “Ice” Berg for LA Crosstown Rivals covering your Los Angeles Angels. The Miami Marlins clashed with the Los Angeles Angels in a high-scoring affair. Jorge Soler continued his remarkable power surge, smashing a home run for the fourth consecutive game, while Bryan De La Cruz delivered an impressive performance at the plate, notching four hits, including a two-run homer. The Marlins’ potent offense came alive, producing a season-high 16 hits and setting a club record of at least 11 hits in six straight games.

Left-hander Jesús Luzardo took the mound for the Marlins, displaying his mastery over Angel Stadium once again. With a solid five-inning outing, Luzardo allowed just one run and struck out seven. The young southpaw has proven to be a formidable force against the Angels, boasting a stellar 1.64 ERA and 21 strikeouts in three games at this venue.

Soler’s solo shot in the third inning made him the first Marlins player in six years to homer in four consecutive games. His powerful swing sent the ball a projected 425 feet over the center field hedges, extending Miami’s lead to 3-0. Soler, currently second in the majors with 16 home runs, has been a force to be reckoned with, displaying both patience and power at the plate.

The Angels had their moments as well, with Mike Trout driving in a run with an RBI single and Brandon Drury adding a home run to keep the game within reach. However, it was the Marlins who responded in the seventh inning with De La Cruz’s two-run blast, securing a 6-2 victory.

Notably, the Angels’ streak of not being shut out continued, reaching an impressive 93 games, the longest active run in the majors. In a historic debut, Angels pitcher Sam Bachman became the first top-10 pick from the 2021 amateur draft to play in the majors, showcasing his talent with four strikeouts in two innings.

Though both teams had their chances with the bases loaded in the second inning, they were unable to capitalize. However, the Marlins’ offensive prowess ultimately prevailed, solidifying their victory.

Looking ahead, the Marlins will send Edward Cabrera to the mound, riding the momentum of seven straight games with at least five strikeouts. The Angels will counter with the dynamic Shohei Ohtani, who dazzled with seven shutout innings and ten strikeouts in a previous matchup against Miami.

That wraps up an exciting night of baseball at Angel Stadium.

In pro ball crosstown rivals news, the Dodgers also lost to the Rays. The Dbacks are hunting the Dodgers for first place, while our Angels are holding on to third in our division.

Stay tuned for more thrilling action as these teams continue their pursuit of victory!

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5/23/23 RB:

Welcome, baseball fans! This is Rick Berg with the recap of an exciting matchup between the Los Angeles Angels and the Boston Red Sox. The Angels came out on top with a 4-0 victory, extending their winning streak to three games.

Mike Trout, the superstar center fielder, made his mark by hitting a two-run homer in the eighth inning, tying Joe DiMaggio on the career home run list with his 361st blast. It was a significant milestone for Trout and gave the Angels a comfortable 4-0 lead.

But Trout wasn’t the only one shining in this game. Mickey Moniak continued his impressive performance by hitting a leadoff homer for the second consecutive game. With his third leadoff homer in just eight starts this season, Moniak joined an exclusive club alongside George Springer as the only players since 1974 to accomplish such a feat.

On the pitching side, Griffin Canning was exceptional for the Angels. The right-hander delivered a superb performance, allowing only two hits over seven innings. It was only the fourth time in 50 starts that Canning pitched at least seven innings, showcasing his talent and resilience.

The Red Sox struggled to generate offense, getting shut out for the second time in their last three games. Their bats fell silent, managing just one run and two extra-base hits in the past 32 innings.

With this victory, the Angels have now won three of their last five games, and their momentum is building. They’re safely in 3rd and over .500 for the moment. In crosstown rivals news, the Dodgers are holding on to 1st, but the Diamondbacks are trying to close it in. Baseball fans, stay tuned for more thrilling action as the Angels continue their series against the Red Sox.

Thanks again for coming to LA Xtown Rivals for your sports standings. Wishing you a beautiful night from Orange County, this is Rick “Ice” Berg, over and out.

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5/22/23 RB:

Ladies and gentlemen, what a thrilling performance we witnessed at Angel Stadium today! Shohei Ohtani once again showcased his incredible talent, striking out nine batters in six impressive innings. It’s no surprise that the Los Angeles Angels have immense confidence whenever Ohtani takes the mound.

Despite Ohtani’s exceptional outing, he did not earn a decision, as he allowed just one run and two hits. This season, the two-way superstar has recorded nine or more strikeouts in an impressive four out of his ten starts. Ohtani’s ability to keep the Angels in games and secure leads has been invaluable for the team.

The Angels improved to an impressive 8-2 record when Ohtani starts, and they clinched a three-game series victory for the first time since early May. Ohtani leads the league with a remarkable .142 opponent batting average and ranks third in strikeouts with 80.

In today’s game against the Minnesota Twins, it was Mickey Moniak who played the hero’s role once again. After his tying triple on Friday night, Moniak delivered a crucial two-run double in the seventh inning, giving the Angels a 3-1 advantage. Pinch-hitter Matt Thaiss and Zach Neto set the stage for Moniak with a leadoff walk and a double, respectively.

The Twins’ Carlos Correa drove in their first run of the game with an RBI double in the third inning, bringing Joey Gallo home after a walk. The Angels responded in the fourth inning when Hunter Renfroe and Jared Walsh hit consecutive singles, followed by Gio Urshela’s sacrifice fly to even the score.

Minnesota showed resilience throughout their road trip against the Dodgers and the Angels, remaining competitive in every game. However, all of their losses came in the late innings, making it a bitter pill to swallow for Twins manager Rocco Baldelli.

As for Ohtani, today’s performance was a return to form reminiscent of his early-season dominance. He started the season strong, allowing just two earned runs and eight hits in his first five starts. Despite some recent struggles, Ohtani focused on controlling home runs and keeping batters off balance.

Looking ahead, the Angels will send Jaime Barria to the mound in the opening game of a three-game series against the Boston Red Sox. Barria, with a 1.96 ERA, will be making his first start of the season after primarily appearing out of the bullpen.

In LA pro baseball crosstown rival’s news, the Diamondbacks are creeping up on the Dodgers while the Angels hold on to 3rd and battle to stay over .500 for the season.

That wraps up another exciting day of Angels baseball! This is “Ice” Berg signing off from Angel Stadium. Stay tuned for more incredible action ahead!

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5/20/23 RB:

Welcome, baseball fans! Thank you for coming to your home of the LA major league baseball rivalry, LA Crosstown Rivals.

It was a beautiful evening at the Angel Stadium as the Los Angeles Angels clashed with the Minnesota Twins. In the end, unfortunately, it was the Twins who emerged victorious with a 6-2 win over our Los Angeles Angels.

Joey Gallo continued his impressive form, hitting his fourth home run in just seven games. The Twins showcased their offensive prowess early on, with Kyle Farmer, Kyle Garlick, and Willi Castro driving in runs in a three-run first inning. Farmer, in particular, had a stellar performance, going 3 for 5 at the plate.

But the excitement didn’t stop there. Trevor Larnach contributed to the Twins’ success with an RBI triple that turned into a Little League home run. Larnach’s hit in the seventh inning scored Farmer from first base and led to a crucial error by the Angels’ second baseman, Brandon Drury, allowing Larnach to cross home plate.

The Twins’ starting pitcher, Louie Varland, displayed his composure on the mound, allowing just two runs and six hits in five innings. With a comfortable three-run lead, Varland was able to take a more aggressive approach against the Angels’ formidable duo of Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout.

For the Angels, Ohtani did manage to contribute with his 11th home run of the season, showcasing his incredible talent. However, the Angels’ offense struggled to find consistency, and they were unable to mount a significant comeback.

It was a much-needed win for the Twins after a frustrating road trip and a heartbreaking loss to the Dodgers. Twins manager Rocco Baldelli praised his team’s ability to bounce back and capitalize on scoring opportunities early in the game.

In terms of injuries, the Twins’ Byron Buxton left the game in the sixth inning due to tightness in his right knee and will not start in the upcoming game. The Angels designated outfielder Brett Phillips for assignment.

Looking ahead, the Twins will send Pablo López to the mound as they aim to bounce back from his recent struggles against the Dodgers. On the other side, Angels fans can look forward to Shohei Ohtani taking the mound with his impressive 5-1 record, despite some recent challenges.

That’s all for now, folks. Stay tuned for more thrilling baseball action. This is Rick Berg signing off from the Angel Stadium!

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5/19/23 RB:

What a thrilling game we had between the Los Angeles Angels and the Minnesota Twins!

Mickey Moniak shone bright for the Angels, collecting three hits and making a sensational game-saving catch at the wall in the seventh inning. Angels’ starter Reid Detmers was dominant, taking a no-hitter into the sixth inning before Byron Buxton broke it up. Though the Twins tied the score, Willi Castro’s homer gave them a short-lived lead.

But Moniak’s triple in the seventh tied the game, and the Angels took the lead on Hunter Renfroe’s base hit. Moniak’s defensive heroics continued with a brilliant wall-robbing catch.

The Angels held on for a 5-4 victory, with Zack Weiss securing the win and Carlos Estevez earning the save. It was an exciting night of baseball at the Angel Stadium, showcasing the resilience and skill of the home team.

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5/4/23 RB:

Another remarkable victory for the Angels! They swept the St. Louis Cardinals in a thrilling 11-7 win on Thursday, thanks to the incredible performance of Luis Rengifo. The Angels continue to soar, now sitting four games above .500 for the first time since last year.

Griffin Canning took the mound for the Angels and battled through five innings, surrendering five runs but still managing to earn his second consecutive victory. Canning showcased his resilience and determination, despite not having his best stuff.

Rengifo was the star of the show, delivering a tremendous offensive display. He smacked a three-run homer in the second inning, part of a four-run surge that gave the Angels the lead. Rengifo continued to make his presence felt with a sacrifice fly in the fourth and made key contributions on the defensive side as well.

The Angels took full control of the game with an explosive six-run third inning. They displayed remarkable plate discipline, as they collected seven hits—all singles—sending 11 batters to the plate. Zach Neto, who had to exit Wednesday’s game due to a finger contusion, sealed the inning with a two-run single, extending the lead to a commanding 10-2.

Matt Thaiss also made notable contributions with two RBI singles, while Anthony Rendon reached base safely four times and scored twice. The Angels’ lineup showed great patience and discipline, keeping the line moving and putting constant pressure on the Cardinals.

Cardinals starter Jack Flaherty endured a tough outing, surrendering a career-high 10 runs in just 2 1/3 innings. The Angels took advantage of Flaherty’s struggles, going an impressive 7 for 10 with two strikes. Flaherty expressed his frustration with his execution, particularly giving up hits with two strikes.

Despite some resistance from the Cardinals, including a three-run homer by Tommy Edman and a two-run double by Paul Goldschmidt, their efforts were not enough to overcome the Angels’ offensive onslaught. The Cardinals find themselves in a challenging position, off to their worst start since 1973.

The Angels will now return home to face the Texas Rangers, with Tyler Anderson taking the mound for Los Angeles. The Rangers have yet to announce their starting pitcher. The Angels will look to continue their winning ways and keep building momentum.

What a thrilling series sweep by the Angels! They continue to show resilience, determination, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. This team is truly looking special.

This is Ice Berg signing off for LA Crosstown Rivals, your source for LA Pro Sports standings and scores.

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5/3/23 RB:

And the Angels did it again! In a thrilling comeback, Mike Trout and Jake Lamb unleashed solo home runs in the ninth inning, propelling the Los Angeles Angels to a remarkable 6-4 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals on Wednesday night.

The Angels have been on fire lately, winning six of their last eight games, while the Cardinals continue to struggle, enduring their fifth consecutive loss. But the real story of the night was none other than Shohei Ohtani, who dazzled on the mound, racking up a career-high 13 strikeouts.

While Ohtani didn’t earn the decision, his performance solidified his place in history as the second player ever to amass 500 career strikeouts and hit over 100 home runs, joining the legendary Babe Ruth. Ohtani’s dominance was evident as he struck out seven of the Cardinals’ batters, showcasing his remarkable talent.

At the plate, Ohtani also shined, going 3 for 5 and extending his hitting streak to a season-high seven games. His offensive prowess combined with his remarkable pitching performance truly exemplifies his exceptional ability.

The game seemed destined for a Cardinals victory as they held a 4-3 lead heading into the ninth inning. However, Lamb had other plans. Pinch-hitting, he launched a powerful home run to right-center off Giovanny Gallegos, tying the game at 4. And with one out, Trout stepped up and crushed his eighth home run of the season to left field, giving the Angels the decisive go-ahead run. Anthony Rendon added to the lead with a run-scoring hit, sealing the incredible comeback.

Trout’s passion was evident as he celebrated the home run, delivering an enthusiastic high five to manager Phil Nevin that left Nevin joking about a potential broken finger. Trout’s heroics in the ninth inning showcased his determination and grit, adding to his collection of clutch go-ahead homers.

The Angels’ resilience and ability to rally together were on full display in this game. Brandon Drury also contributed to the offensive onslaught with a home run, while Ryan Tepera earned the win and Carlos Estevez secured his seventh save of the season.

Dylan Carlson and Nolan Gorman provided the firepower for the Cardinals with their home runs, but it wasn’t enough to halt their slide. With a 10-21 record, their worst start since 1973, they find themselves searching for answers.

The series concludes tomorrow afternoon with Los Angeles’ Griffin Canning taking the mound against St. Louis’ Jack Flaherty. Both teams will be eager to leave their mark in this exciting matchup. Will the Angels continue their winning ways or will the Cardinals find a way to turn things around? We’ll soon find out!

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5/2/23 RB:

Good evening and welcome, Angels fans! This is Rick Berg here with the latest LA Baseball news for LA Crosstown Rivals.

Taylor Ward, the Angels’ reliable slugger, made his presence known in the opening inning, capping off a strong offensive start with a resounding three-run homer. The Cardinals, who faced the Angels after a four-year hiatus, continued to struggle, extending their losing streak to four games.

The frustration is palpable for Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol, who expressed his understanding of the team’s efforts, acknowledging that baseball can be tough and outcomes aren’t going their way.

In a rare game off for Shohei Ohtani, the Angels rallied behind the leadership of Mike Trout, who drew a walk and set the stage for the offensive surge. Hunter Renfroe contributed with a timely single, and Anthony Rendon’s go-ahead hit put the Angels in control.

Then, with two outs, Taylor Ward showcased his power, launching a 2-2 changeup into the left-field stands for his fourth home run this season. The four-run cushion provided an ideal scenario for starting pitcher Patrick Sandoval, who expressed gratitude for the early run support.

Sandoval, fresh off a victory against Oakland, displayed confidence and composure in his first appearance against the Cardinals. Though it was a bit of a grind, Sandoval’s solid pitching effort limited the Cardinals to just one run on Andrew Knizner’s RBI groundout.

The Angels’ bullpen proved effective, with Chris Devenski and Matt Moore keeping the Cardinals’ offense at bay. Carlos Estévez closed out the game with a flawless ninth inning.

Steven Matz, on the mound for the Cardinals, faced early struggles but managed to find his rhythm as the game progressed. Despite a rocky start, Matz finished strong, providing optimism for future outings.

In a poignant moment before the game, the Cardinals paid tribute to the late Mike Shannon, a former player and beloved broadcaster who left an indelible mark on the franchise.

The Angels enjoyed a day of rest on Monday, granting Shohei Ohtani consecutive days off ahead of his upcoming pitching start.

In bullpen news, the Cardinals made roster moves, recalling Guillermo Zuñiga and optioning Zack Thompson to Triple-A. Zuñiga made an impressive major league debut, striking out Chad Wallach and Trout in the ninth inning.

On the injury front, the Angels activated Ryan Tepera from the injured list, providing a boost to their bullpen.

Looking ahead, the spotlight will be on Shohei Ohtani as he takes the mound for his first-ever pitching appearance against the Cardinals. He’ll face off against Miles Mikolas, who has had previous success against the Angels.

As the Angels continue their quest for success, the Cardinals will strive to turn their fortunes around and find their winning rhythm once again. We wish them luck, but not too much. “Ice” Berg here, signing off!

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4/30/23 RB:

In a thrilling matchup, Shohei Ohtani showcased his extraordinary power once again, launching a record-breaking home run against the Milwaukee Brewers. Ohtani’s third-inning blast off Colin Rea soared 162 feet above the field, the highest recorded by Statcast since its inception in 2015.

Los Angeles Angels manager Phil Nevin couldn’t help but marvel at Ohtani’s exceptional abilities, stating, “He’s special, and we see something new each day with him.” The mammoth shot traveled 413 feet, leaving the bat with incredible exit velocity and a launch angle of 39 degrees.

Ohtani’s offensive prowess continued to impress as he maintained a .394 batting average with three home runs, two doubles, one triple, seven RBIs, and four stolen bases in his last eight games. Additionally, Ohtani has been dominating on the mound, boasting a 4-0 record and a 1.85 ERA.

The Angels secured a 3-0 victory behind strong pitching from José Suarez and a stellar bullpen performance. Chris Devenski, Chase Silseth, Matt Moore, and Carlos Estévez combined for a three-hit shutout, with Estévez recording his sixth save in as many chances. Jake Lamb contributed with a home run, his first since August 27, 2022, while Luis Rengifo added an RBI single.

The Brewers struggled offensively, and Mike Trout endured a tough day, going hitless with three strikeouts. With the win, the Angels avoided a series sweep and now look ahead to their upcoming three-game series against the Toronto Blue Jays, where Patrick Sandoval will take the mound.

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4/29/23 RB:

It’s “Ice” Berg here again thanking you for coming to LA Xtown Rivals for all of LA’s pro sports standings and scores. Win or lose, we’re here with you, Los Angeles!

And the Angels and Brewers clashed again in an action-packed game. Corbin Burnes showcased his brilliance on the mound, pitching six strong innings and allowing just one run.

Milwaukee’s Willy Adames and manager Craig Counsell were both ejected after a dispute with the umpire in the sixth inning. Despite the ejections, the Brewers secured their third consecutive win.

Burnes also contributed to an impressive double play, doubling up Shohei Ohtani at first base. On the offensive side, William Contreras and Jesse Winker each drove in two runs for the Brewers. However, it was Mike Trout who stole the show for the Angels with two home runs and five RBIs.

Trout’s heroic efforts weren’t enough to overcome Milwaukee’s lead, and the Angels fell short in a 7-5 loss. “Ice” Berg out.

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