This victory, which improved the Angels record to 92-64, didn’t require much effort. Los Angeles was up 3-0 after one inning and 8-0 after four innings. Eventually, the Angels claimed an 11-0 win over the Rangers.

Ervin Santana, who struggled for most of the season, was very good on Monday as he pitched a 7-hit shutout while only walking one batter. The outing improved his record to 8-8 and lowered his ERA to 5.10.

The offensive production came largely from Vladimir Guerrero and Kendry Morales. Guerreero was 2-for-4 with two runs and two RBIs, while Morales hit a two-run homer in the first inning to get the Angels off on the right foot.

As for the Rangers, while they are still technically alive, there season is realistically over. Although they put up a good fight, they have too many injured players and too many slumping bats to make a legit run at the AL Wild Card race at this point.

Los Angeles Angels Celebrate Clinching Division (Image: Zuma PresS)

Post from: EveryJoe

Los Angeles Angels Clinch AL West

David Ortiz Struggling (Image: Zuma Press)

The hefty designated hitter is batting .195 and has one homer, 18 RBI, 15 runs and 39 strikeouts. Last season, Ortiz was slowed by injury but wasn’t anywhere this bad. Right now, he’s one of the worst hitters in the American League.

There have been whispers of lowering Ortiz in the batting order to get him out of the three spot. Those whispers are now getting louder. The Red Sox have a lot of capable hitters and Ortiz has become a liability in the middle of the lineup.

According to a few sources close to the team, it sounds like Ortiz could see himself hitting in the fifth or sixth spot starting as soon as Monday.

Despite Ortiz’s struggles, the Red Sox have been able to keep their place atop the AL West with a 26-18 record. However, with the rival New York Yankees streaking up the standings, Boston’s time on top of the division could be ending if Ortiz doesn’t start hitting — or if the Red Sox don’t at least move him down the batting order.

Post from: EveryJoe

David Ortiz Continues to Struggle