Here we are, through the fifth inning, and I couldn’t stand it anymore. This is a nice, dull, scoreless game so far. We had Jose Soriano pitching against Mitch Spence. This inning closed out still a 0-0 tie.
Did I just type “Offense” a couple of days ago? Oh no. I typed “Offense Challenged.” That’s different. It looks like Zach Neto will lead off the bottom of the sixth inning. Max Schuemann led off the top and walked. Brent Rooker got a two out double to make it 1-0 Athletics.
Now Michael Kelley came in to replace Mitch Spence and Zach Neto promptly doubled. Nolan Schanuel walked and Mike Trout hit into a double play. Taylor Ward also walked. With two men on and two outs, Jorge Soler flied out. I’m sorry.
There was no further scoring through the seventh inning. In the bottom of the eighth inning Travis d’Arnaud pinch hit for Scott Kingery and homered to make it a 1-1 tie.
Nolan Schanuel singled to bring up Mike Trout with a man on and one out. Trout flied out. “Wheels” Schanuel stole second and then Taylor Ward struck out.
Tied in the ninth, Kenley Jansen came in to pitch. He retired the Athletics. He didn’t retire them in order, but he retired them without any more scoring. Jorge Soler came up So did O’Hoppe and Jo Adell. Everybody was out. On to the tenth inning!
Reid Detmers came in to pitch. He struck out Austin Wynns. He also struck out Max Schuemann. Denzel Clarke grounded out to third.
Luis Rengifo came up to bat with Jo Adell at second base. He immediately popped up a bunt to the catcher. Deja vu. Kevin Newman (groan) grounded out to second base, but Jo Adell made it to third. Zach Neto was intentionally walked and advanced to second on defensive indifference. Nolan Schanuel got a hit on a liner to center. 2-1 Angels.
Photo credit: Rex Fregosi
