Back to basics: Adell plays key role in Angels' victory

SEATTLE -- Right fielder Jo Adell has not only been heating up at the plate recently, but he's been delivering in clutch situations as well.

He came through again on Monday, ripping a go-ahead RBI single in the ninth inning that brought home another run on an error for a 3-1 win over the Mariners in the series opener at T-Mobile Park. It was another late comeback for the Angels, who also rallied in Sunday’s 8-5 win over the A’s.

The knock also extended Adell’s hit streak to seven games, and he tortured Seattle late for a second time, as he also hit a go-ahead three-run homer in the eighth inning in a win over the Mariners in the last game heading into the All-Star break.

“It’s been good,” Adell said. “Just really slowing it down when I get in those situations. That kind of less is more mentality really helps me get pitches and not miss them. The homer is not always the answer, and I think that’s kind of summed up my last 10 games or so.”

With the game tied with two outs in the ninth, Adell didn’t waste any time and smacked a first-pitch fastball from reliever Trent Thornton back up the middle to score Brandon Drury from second. The throw home escaped catcher Cal Raleigh, allowing Zach Neto to score from first.

Manager Ron Washington believes Adell is learning how to perform in those high-leverage at-bats and has enjoyed watching him turn things around recently after some struggles.

“It's getting better and better every day,” Washington said. “And he's getting an opportunity in those situations, and he's learning how to deal with them. And he went up there tonight and smoked the first thing he saw in the zone. He’s growing.”

During his seven-game hitting streak, Adell is batting .429 (9-for-21) with a homer, a double, three stolen bases and eight RBIs. After hitting .144 in May and .139 in June, Adell is batting .260 with two homers, a double and 10 RBIs in 16 games in July.

His overall numbers still need improvement, as he's hitting .199/.270/.399 with 15 homers, 13 stolen bases and 46 RBIs in 91 games this season, but Adell believes he's trending in the right direction. He's worked with the club's hitting coaches to improve his fastball contact rate.

“Just really simplifying things and staying above the ball,” Adell said. “In the past I've had a little bit of trouble with the fastball kind of sneaking by me in those early counts. Just focus on being on time and don’t try to over-create a moment.”

Adell’s speed also played a big role in the comeback, as the Angels were held scoreless by right-hander Bryce Miller before finally rallying against the bullpen in the eighth. Adell led off the inning with a four-pitch walk before Anthony Rendon followed with his own walk.

Nolan Schanuel struck out looking on a 3-2 fastball that caught the bottom part of the zone but argued with home plate umpire Mike Estabrook to get ejected for the first time in his career. Andrés Muñoz was brought in and Adell picked the perfect time to execute a double steal as the lead runner. It set up Taylor Ward to tie the game with a sacrifice fly to deep center.

“Muñoz is a guy who is tough to put the ball in play and do damage against, so that extra 90 feet is something we really wanted,” Adell said. “I wanted to be aggressive early and give Wardo a chance to do what he did. He got the job done.”

The late rally was made possible by another strong start from All-Star lefty Tyler Anderson, who struck out eight and allowed one run over 5 2/3 innings. Anderson, a potential trade candidate ahead of the July 30 deadline, has a 2.91 ERA in a team-leading 20 starts this year.

He didn’t factor into the decision but was excited to see the Angels make the late comeback. He has been impressed by how Adell has responded to his previous scuffles offensively.

“That was huge,” Anderson said. “I feel like Jo was in a bad spot a few weeks ago, but then he started getting a couple of hits and you could see really took a big breath and just had really good at-bats. So it's always good to see. Obviously, he's always grinding out there. So I'm pumped to see it work out for him.”