ANAHEIM — Home runs are being hit at a record pace this year and A’s starter Chris Smith is one of those pitchers who have been victimized the most by the league-wide power surge.
Smith has given up at least a home run in all but one of his starts this season, allowing another two in Tuesday’s 8-2 loss to the Los Angeles Angels.
Things got ugly in a hurry for Smith. After falling behind in the count often in the first inning and already having allowed two runs, C.J. Cron delivered a gut punch with a three-run shot, his first of two home runs on the night, to give the Angels a five-run cushion.