Angels find their equilibrium in loss to Mariners

The Angels offense was handcuffed by Justus Sheffield and friends on Sunday afternoon in Seattle, falling 2-0 to the Mariners in the Halos’ first shutout loss of the season.

Sheffield limited the Angels to just two singles in six innings, dropping them to 1-4 in games started by opposing left-handed pitchers. Despite just the two hits off Sheffield and five hits in the game, the Angels also walked three times and were hit by two pitches. But they could not cash any of them in, thanks to 0-for-8 with runners in scoring position and three double plays.

The loss on Sunday drops the Angels to 13-13, after also going 9-9, 10-10, 11-11, and 12-12 this season. I’m sensing a pattern.

Ohtani fun fact

Shohei Ohtani was hit by a Sheffield fastball in the first inning, then promptly stole second and third base. That gives him six steals on the season, currently tied for fifth in the majors. Ohtani, who was 0-for-3 Sunday, also has eight homers on the season, also tied for fifth in baseball.

Did I mention that Ohtani, who also sports a 3.29 ERA, is starting on the mound Monday when the Angels are back home to face the Rays (6:38 p.m., Bally Sports West), in a marquee matchup with Tyler Glasnow, no less?

Ohtani’s pitching start is actually in question since he was hit by the pitch on his elbow, but that should be decided Monday. Ohtani has played in every Angels game so far this season.

Roster move

Before Sunday’s game, the Angels placed southpaw reliever Tony Watson on the 10-day injured list with a left calf strain, and recalled right-hander James Hoyt from the alternate training site.

Sunday particulars

Home runs: none

WP — Justus Sheffield (2-2): 6 IP, 2 hits, 3 walks, 4 strikeouts

LP — Dylan Bundy (0-3): 6 IP, 5 hits, 2 runs, 1 walk, 7 strikeouts

Sv — Rafael Montero (4): 1 IP, 1 strikeout