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Angels lose to Rays after disastrous eighth inning

The Rays scored seven runs in the eighth inning

By BlakeHarris
Tampa Bay Rays v Los Angeles Angels Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images

Through the first six innings, the Angels appeared to be in cruise control. They were up 3-0 entering the seventh inning and it looked as if they had a comfortable win on their hands. After a run in the seventh, LA’s lead was cut to two.

Then, the eighth inning happened. The seemingly quiet Tampa Bay offense exploded, totaling seven hits and two walks as they scored six runs to give them the 8-3 lead. This punch was too much for the Angels to overcome, as they lose the game with that exact score.

Mike Mayers began the inning with a two run lead, but after three consecutive hits tied the game he was pulled. Aaron Slegers relieved him, and it didn’t get much better. He issued a walk and a single, giving the Rays a two-run lead. Slegers was relieved by Felix Pena, who was activated off the injured list and was making his 2021 debut.

What a rough way to begin your campaign.

He allowed hits to the first two hitters he faced and three of the first four as Tampa Bay took the 8-3 lead. After issuing a walk to put runners on the corners, he got a pop out to end the inning and send the bats to the plate down only five.

As I mentioned earlier, the Angels couldn’t put together a miracle rally and that was the game. The rough stretch continues for the Angels, as they are 6-14 in their last 20 games.

The silver lining on the night was the great start from Andrew Heaney. He gave the Angels 6 2⁄3 innings of scoreless ball and struck out 10. For Heaney, it was his longest outing of the season and only the third time he’s thrown at least six innings. His 10 strikeouts tied his season-high. His 110 pitches thrown were also a season-high. Unfortunately, his bullpen just let him down.

There weren’t many bright spots from the offense, as they scored three runs on six hits and never really had anybody on base. However, Shohei Ohtani hit his 10th home run of the season, so at least there’s that!

Thursday particulars

WP: Josh Fleming (2-3) 5 IP, 3 ER, 3 SO

LP: Mike Mayers (1-2) 1⁄3 IP, 4 ER

HR: Shohei Ohtani (10)

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