Houston Astros lose to Los Angeles Angels 5-6 but win home series 2-1 - MLB Update
The Houston Astros were able to win the series but lose the finale to the Los Angeles Angels in a tight 5-6 finish at Minute Maid Park on Thursday, May 9, 2013. The win ended a four game losing streak for the Angels.
Astros’ Manager Bo Porter was happy about the overall outcome of the series but felt that it would have been better had his team won the third game and in turn, swept the Angels at home. He felt that the Angels were able to make some crucial plays which
helped them in the final game of the series.
"It's always good to win a series, but at the same time, we would have liked to have won tonight's ballgame," Porter said. "We felt like we were in position to win it, but they made a couple of more plays than we did and they walked away with the win."
The game was transformed in the eighth inning when the Angels added three runs to their score and took a decisive one run lead.
However, plenty of drama had unfolded in the seventh inning and the game is more likely going to be remembered for that. Angels had runners on first and third with two batters out and with J.B. Shuck on the plate, Porter brought Wesley Wright to pitch.
When the Angels brought in pinch hitter Luis Jimenez in, Bo Porter changed his mind as well. The rule requires the pitcher to face at least one batter and either retire the batter or the batter must move to the base before a pitcher can be replaced.
There was an argument between the umpires and Angels’ Manager Scioscia over the issue. Bo had his argument over the issue and was able to convince the umpires with his point of view and the game went on.
Hector Ambriz, the pitcher who was called for relief did retire the last batter in the seventh but was unable to get another out in the eighth.
Bo Porter was surprised by the result and thought that it was very uncharacteristic for the 28-year-old who recorded his second loss of the year.
"He's been tremendous all year and tonight was definitely uncharacteristic of the success of which he's had in those situations, and it was costly for us tonight," Porter said.
Lucas Harrell, the starting pitcher for the Astros had a no decision after he left the game with two runs and four hits surrendered. He struggled to control the ball. He himself thought that his effort was not up to the mark.
"I felt like the last two innings I got back to what I was doing last year, and I think that's the last time you'll see a poor effort out of me," Harrell said.
The Astros will be happy that they won this series and in order to improve upon their current record, they will need to win a few more.
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