A three-game losing streak to carry isn’t the momentum the Atlanta Braves were hoping for as they continue their West Coast road trip against the Los Angeles Angels. Let’s hope today marks the turnaround point.
Reynaldo López is coming into this series with a 1.64 ERA and a 5.04 xFIP score. Only starting in two games since his return so far, he’s been displaying solid performances, allowing only one run in both of his past outings with three total strikeouts and less than five hits.
With the way the Angels performed yesterday, he’s going to need to focus on command as much as he can to start the momentum with pitch one to hold down the defense.
His go-to pitch this season has been his four-seamer, which has been clocked at an average of 94.1 mph. The slider, curveball and changeup have also been noted as reliable, but what it will all come down to is execution. And if the offense can follow suit, then we might have a ballgame worth staying up for.
On the opposing side, Yusei Kikuchi is taking the mound for the Angels. His ERA capped at 6.52 across his two-game starts is a drastic drop from how he ended his 2025 season (3.99 ERA). In his five-pitch arsenal, he splits his usage between the four-seamer, slider, and changeup, which seemingly finds no problem with landing in the zone…yet also is predictable on the batter’s side.
This game will determine the winner of this three-game series before the Braves head back home to take on Cleveland, but this matchup means more than just clinching a series win…they need to break this losing streak and get some runs on the board, without relying on Drake Baldwin to carry them.
Maybe yesterday was the wake-up call they needed to get back in the game and leave on a good note. Of course, before we get to that point, today’s game outcome must be determined.
Game Date/Time: Tuesday, April 7, 9:38 p.m. EDT
Location: Angel Stadium, Anaheim, CA
Radio: 680 AM / 93.7 FM The Fan