Los Angeles Angels: Abreu Achieves Historic Mark in Sunday's Loss to White Sox

Sunday afternoon's game between the Los Angeles Angels and the Chicago White Sox may have had no bearing in the standings as far as playoff implications were concerned, but it was certainly historic in nature.

In the first inning, right fielder Bobby Abreu stepped to the plate and hit his 40th double of the season, marking the fifth time in his career that he has surpassed 20 HR, 20 SB and 40 doubles. No other player in Major League history has reached this trifecta more than three times.

It's an extraordinary achievement for Abreu, who continues to provide speed, power and timely hitting at the age of 36.

Unfortunately, it wasn't enough for the Angels, eventually losing 4-3 and getting swept in the weekend series by the White Sox.

Halos manager Mike Scioscia started four rookies in this game, combining for five hits, four strikeouts and two errors, both committed by rookie shortstop Andrew Romine, playing in just his second big league game.

One of his errors was a pop-up that he lost in the sun, leading to a costly unearned run that denied starter Jered Weaver a chance at his 14th victory of the season.

Rookie catcher Hank Conger collected two hits and an RBI, and continues to look more comfortable behind the plate, and as Scioscia ponders the future catching prospects, Conger is certainly not hurting his cause during his September evaluation.

Sunday was Family Day at Angels Stadium, and although the team lost, Weaver was impressed with what he saw. "Things aren't always going to go your way with things like that," said Weaver. "But this time of the year, when the playoff chances are done, it's fun to give those guys a chance. I was one of those young guys at one time, and I was just itching to get out there too.

"It's fun to see those guys work. But you know they've got some pressure on them too."

With the Angels out of playoff contention and playing out the string, the rookies should get more opportunities to show their worth over the last week of the season, and Scioscia will be watching.

"We had a lot of young guys on that field, and there's going to be some growing pains. I think we saw them this afternoon," Scioscia said. "[But] they need to get into a major league game. It's important for their growth.

"All the stuff that separates the major leagues from triple A, those guys need to experience it. See how their talent plays and move forward."

For continuing Angels coverage, follow Doug on Twitter, @Sports_A_Holic.

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