The Angels have now gone 15 consecutive innings without scoring a run. That’s usually not a recipe for success, as they lost 2-0 to the Mariners on Saturday and have now dropped two consecutive games to Seattle. With the loss on Saturday, the Halos are back to .500 on the season, as they’ll look to finish the first half with a winning record on Sunday.
For the game, LA totaled only three hits. There was never really much action on the bases, as they went 0-for-1 with runners in scoring position. The only silver lining offensively was that David Fletcher extended his hitting streak to 23 games. Only five more games until he’s halfway to the record!
23 in a row. Fletch style. pic.twitter.com/xsIkQV8yhj
— Los Angeles Angels (@Angels) July 11, 2021
On the pitching side of things, Patrick Sandoval was excellent. He gave the Angels seven strong innings and put them in a position to win. Sandoval struck out six and allowed two runs during his outing. He’s now allowed three runs or fewer in 11 of his 12 outings this season.
The reason the Angels lost the game on Saturday was because of their defense. Seattle scored their first run in the fourth inning. With runners on the corners and out one, Jose Iglesias had trouble gripping the ball and couldn’t get the throw to first in time. A run came in to score. Had it been a clean double play, the inning comes to an end.
Good camera angle by the @BallySportWest broadcast, showing that José Iglesias couldn't get the right grip while trying to throw that ball https://t.co/wh6WWrInVH pic.twitter.com/Y4JK2nKYMn
— Jack Harris (@Jack_A_Harris) July 11, 2021
The defense brought in another run in the sixth inning. While going for the inning-ending triple play, Fletcher and Iglesias collided, only allowing the Angels to record one out. The following hitter hit a triple, bringing in the second run. Not that it would have mattered since the Angels didn’t score a run, but this game was there for the taking for them tonight.
Here was the play. David Fletcher is staying in the game. https://t.co/MhCg2Ra0BI pic.twitter.com/4JZonMSzOb
— Jack Harris (@Jack_A_Harris) July 11, 2021
The Angels find themselves 5.5 games back of the Wild Card as they enter the final game of the first half on Sunday.