Angels’ comeback in ninth falls just short

The Angels nearly completed a ninth-inning comeback on Saturday night. Entering the inning, they trailed by three runs. They were able to get the tying run to third inning, but their rally fell just short. Shohei Ohtani grounded out to end the game, as the Angels fell to the Dodgers, 7-6.

Dylan Bundy was scheduled to make the start for the Angels on Saturday. He hat a cut on his finger, and the team figured it would make sense to just let him rest and recover. Prior to the game, Joe Maddon said he would have been out there had this game still meant something for the Angels’ postseason hopes.

Instead, Julio Teheran got the start. After an absolutely rough season in 2020, Teheran was hoping he could close the season on a high note. Sadly, he did not. For the second consecutive start, Teheran lasted only one inning. He allowed three runs and nine Dodgers hitters to step up to the plate. He threw 52 (!!) pitches in the first inning.

He ends his 2020 season with an ERA of 10.05. Absolutely brutal and heartbreaking for Teheran, who worked so hard to try and catch up after missing time with Coronavirus. Wherever he pitches in 2020, hopefully he’s able to bounce back.

The Angels did some damage in the third inning. Jo Adell began the inning with a double. Jahmai Jones brought him in with a single. It was a special moment for Jones, as that was the first hit of his major-league career.

After Elliot Soto singled, the Angels had two runners on base with the go-ahead run at the plate. Jared Walsh barely missed hitting yet another home run. Instead, he settled for a bases-clearing triple. He’d come in to score the following at bat on a sacrifice fly from Albert Pujols, putting the Angels ahead 4-3.

Hansel Robles entered the game in the sixth inning. He issued a walk to Will Smith and then proceeded to allow a two-run homer to Joc Pederson.

Smith homered in the eighth inning, proving to be the difference maker in the game. The Halos scored two runs in the ninth inning and had the tying run at third. Unfortunately, they couldn’t pull the rally off.

Saturday particulars

WP: Tony Gonsolin (2-2) 6 IP, 4 ER, 6 SO

LP: Hansel Robles (1-2) 1 IP, 2 ER

SV: Adam Kolarek (1) ²⁄₃ IP, 0 ER

HR: Joc Pederson (7) Edwin Rios (8) Will Smith (7)

Box score

Up next

The Angels will wrap up their 2020 season tomorrow afternoon. First pitch is scheduled for 12:10 p.m. PT on Fox Sports West. Both the Angels and the Dodgers have yet to announce their starters.