For many Angels fan, the Angels acquiring Noah Syndergaard seemed like a move in the right direction for the Angels’ pitching staff. Angels fans can certainly attest Syndergaard’s first game as an Angel did not disappoint. Syndergaard was not pitching against just any pitcher; he was pitching against two-time Cy Young Award winner and fellow Tommy John surgery recipient, Justin Verlander.

First Inning

At the top of the Houston Astros’ lineup was American League MVP, Jose Altuve. The former MVP flied out to right field off of Syndergaard’s 94 MPH sinker. At the end of the top of the first, Syndergaard left the mound with no hits.

Second Inning

During the top of the second, Syndergaard gave up a single to Kyle Tucker. Tucker then went on to steal second base. Syndergaard walked Jeremy Peña on a full count. Fortunately for the Angels, Syndergaard did not give up any more hits in the second inning. Syndergaard finished the inning leaving both runners on base.

Third Inning

Chas McCormick singled off of Syndergaard’s 89 MPH changeup. With a 94 MPH sinker, Syndergaard was able to induce a groundout double play. Three innings in and Syndergaard hadn’t given up a run.

Fourth Inning

At the top of the fourth, both Niko Goodrum and Yordan Alvarez grounded out with off-speed pitches. Syndergaard closed out the top of the fourth inning by striking out Aledmys Díaz with a slider.

Fifth Inning

Syndergaard did not let Tucker get a hit off of him again. Syndergaard continued throwing groundouts by having Tucker, Peña, and McCormick groundout to shortstop for an easy fifth inning

Sixth Inning

Syndergaard retired Altuve off of another groundout. After walking the final batter he faced, Syndergaard was replaced by left handed pitcher, Aaron Loup.

Syndergaard’s current ERA is 0 and out of the 16 outs he pitched, 12 were groundouts. If Syndergaard continues to pitch groundouts, he will be able to last more innings.

Syndergaard underwent Tommy John surgery in 2020, and his first time back on the mound was undeniably a success.