David Fletcher’s hitting streak comes to end as Angels lose series to Mariners

David Fletcher’s 26-game hitting streak came to an end on Sunday, as the infielder finished the game going 0-for-5. He finished two games shy of tying the Angels’ all-time record that was set by Garret Anderson back in 1998. The Angels could have used a hit or two from Fletcher, as they fell to the Mariners, 7-4.

The offense struggled through the first half of the game, as they didn’t record their first hit until the sixth inning. Logan Gilbert held the Angels in check and dominated them through the first five innings. He ended up throwing 5 ¹⁄₃ innings while striking out nine. By the time the Angels were able to put runs on the board, they were trailing 6-2 in the sixth inning.

Patrick Sandoval had an odd start for the Angels. He was very effective, but also struggled in preventing damage from the Mariners offense. For the game, he went seven innings and struck out nine. Sandoval also had 16 whiffs, one of the highest numbers he’s had all season. That stat line right there is something you would take from your starter every game. Unfortunately, he allowed Seattle to scored six runs (two unearned) on six hits.

LA did have a comeback attempt in the ninth, nearly getting the chance to bring the tying run to the plate. Trailing by five runs with two outs in the ninth, Shohei Ohtani crushed his 34th homer of the season to bring the Angels to within three runs. Jared Walsh followed with a single, bringing Max Stassi to the plate. If Stassi would have been able to get on, Adam Eaton would have come up to represent the tying run. Unfortunately, Stassi struck out to end the game and potential rally.

Brandon Marsh called up

Outfielder Brandon Marsh made his MLB debut on Sunday. Marsh, the top prospect in the Angels’ system, went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts. He hit seventh in the lineup and played in center field.

“He’s been outstanding, really good,” Angels manager Joe Maddon told the media. “Over the last year, he’s dealt with some difficult moments, including the passing of his father. But from the first time I saw him, just the way he moves. We talk about that with Shohei. I’m not comparing him with Shohei, but just the way his body moves very fluently. He can do both sides of the ball really well.

“I want him to expect to stay here the whole year. I spoke to him and I told him, ‘Just go play and don’t do anything differently.’ It’s the same game. A lot of times it spins faster, it just does, but you have to realize it’s normal and you just have to go out and play.”

In 28 games in the minors this season, Marsh has hit .287 with an OPS of .926. The 23-year-old was the Angels’ second round pick in 2016.