Angels Blow it vs the 2021 Baltimore Orioles

It is two way Ohtani day in Baltimore. Can he improve on his performance last time? Will Maddon let him? One thing is certain, this is his best chance to do so. It was historic anyway. Ohtani gave up 2 home runs in a start for the first time in his career. 3 actually. It was not a pretty night, 5 innings, 4 ER, 3 home runs, at least he had 7 strikeouts and no walks. At the plate it was worse, 0-3, 3 K’s. Yet he left with the lead as Baltimore gave up even more. The Angels offense was back again for more today. Unfortunately, the bullpen was not ready at all.

Recap

The Angels can keep up the pressure and make Baltimore lose 20 in a row, and Ohtani can do it all. However, with the NL rules with that comes that risk. Especially since the Angels would be facing one of their own, Chris Ellis is making his first MLB start. That is dangerous as the Angels infamously struggle vs rookie pitchers.

Two No Way Shohei

Unexpected Start to the Game

The Angels started with Ohtani leading off with a strikeout. A flyout by Fletcher made it 2 outs but Gosselin singled and stole second. But, Walsh couldn’t drive him in. Then in the bottom half, Baltimore hit a home run on Ohtani’s first pitch of the game. After battling through the next two batters, he allowed another home run. 2-0 Baltimore after 1.

Churches led off the 2nd with a HBP right on the hand. He stayed in the game and advanced to 3rd on a Stassi double. Marsh singled in both runners to tie the game!

Ohtani was back out there to right the ship. A quick 1-2-3 inning brought ease of mind that it was just a rough first. 2-2 After 2.

Shohei led off the 3rd with another strikeout. Fletcher grounded out and Gosselin struck out. Ohtani allowed a hit, but no damage was allowed. Still 2-2 after 3.

4th Blitz

Jared Walsh has not hit a home run in over a month. Until today! A monster leadoff blast gives the Angels the lead! That chased the starter Chris Ellis and for the second game in a row, it will be a bullpen heavy game for Baltimore.

Churches hit a double and Gosselin walked to put 2 on for Marsh, who proceeded to hit one deep for a 3 run blast! His first career home run!

Ohtani went back out there with a 4 run lead and immediately squandered it. A single and a home run cut it in half, as Ohtani was not having his command and leaving some over the plate. The humidity was getting to him. 6-4 Angels after 4.

Ohtani’s Last Gasp

The offense needed to add on, this looked to be awfully similar to the first game of the series and the ball was jumping out to all fields. Unfortunately, they got nothing but a Walsh walk in the 6th.

Ohtani was throwing a lot of pitches on this humid day and di not have his best stuff, but still muscled through 5 with 7 strikeouts. 6-4 Angels after 5.

Marsh led off the 6th with a single. Jo Adell hit into a fielder’s choice. Lagares struck out and Ohtani had a chance, instead he struck out for the 3rd time of the day.

Bullpen for 4

Quijada was the first one out of the pen, as Ohtani was visibly exhausted and his day ended. Jose got 2 quick outs but walked the next batter and was yanked for Mike Mayers. He got out of the inning quickly. Still 6-4 Angels after 6.

Fletcher led off the 7th with a groundout. Gosselin followed that up with a K. Walsh walked but Chruches grounded out to end the threat.

Shaky 7th

Mayers pitched the bottom of the 7th, and gave up a single to Jahmai Jones. Then he hit the next batter. A bunt got the out, but runners at 2nd and 3rd with only 1 out. That was enough for Maddon and another pitching change.

It was Jake Petricka making his Angels debut. He last was in MLB in 2019 with the Brewers. Jake had been impressive in AAA so it was time to throw him into the fire. He got a ground ball but it scored a run. A strikeout got the final out, 6-5 Angels after 7.

Blowpen 8th

Max Stassi led off the 8th with a groundout, Marsh struck out, and Adell grounded out. Angels went down in order for the first time and did not add on.

Jake was back out there for the 8th, it did not go well. Back to back hits put runners at 2nd and 3rd with no outs. An intentional walk loaded the bases with no outs. A 4 pitch walk tied the game and Maddon pulled him.

James Hoyt came in to keep it tied. The first batter struck out. He then walked the next batter to give Baltimore the lead. A double just makes it worse. He was pulled.

Sam Selman came in with a 9-6 deficit trying to keep it from getting worse. He allowed a sac fly and it got worse. A walk after that because why not at this point? A liner mercifully ends the inning. 10-6 Baltimore after 8.

Last Gasp for the Halos

Going from up one to down 4 in one half inning is deflating. To make matters worse, there was to no DH anymore. What was once a happy occasion turned into a national embarrassment.

Lagares struck out for out number 1. Mayfield pinch hit for the pitcher and popped out. Fletcher flied out. Angels lose, and break Baltimore’s 19 game losing streak. Disgusting.

Upcoming

A 10 AM game tomorrow to wrap up the series in Baltimore then 2 at home vs SD. Finishing August strong will feel good as the September schedule is brutal. Please drink responsibly.