Toronto Blue Jays defeat Los Angeles Angels 3-2 – MLB Update
The American League eastern franchise Toronto Blue Jays bounced back in the sixth inning and defeated league rivals Los Angeles Angels 3-2 at Angel Stadium, Anaheim on Friday, April 8.
Having a two-run dearth after five innings, the Blue Jays’ sluggers took full advantage of the Angels’ tired starter Ervin Santana. In the eighth inning, Jayson Nix launched a tie-breaking homer and the Blue Jays snatched their first road game against the
Angels.
Nix, who joined the roaster just 10 days ago, seemed satisfied while talking to reporters after the game. Nix said, "I'm really happy to be a part of this group. We've got a good thing going on here, and everybody is in it together."
When Adam Lind led off in the sixth inning, the Blue Jays’ pitchers also awoke with last five shut-out innings. Rookie starter Kyle Drabek struck back in last session tossing three scoreless innings. The 23-year-old right-handed pitcher finished his six
innings spell striking-out five batters and allowed just two runs with a 1.38 ERA.
Octavio Dotel relieved Drabek in the seventh inning, tossed one inning, managed two strike-outs without permitting any run. Relievers’ David Purcey and Shawn Camp utilised the momentum and tossed hitless innings followed by closer Jon Rauch with who allowed
just one scoreless hit.
The Angels decision to use Santana until eighth inning proved to be a bad move, as after tossing five scoreless innings he lost his momentum and went for two costly runs in sixth. The veteran right-handed pitcher recuperated in a scoreless seventh but went
for a grand slam in the eighth digging the club’s grave. Santana seemed disappointed and considered it a mistake to toss the fastball right down middle.
Angels handed the ball to closer Fernando Rodney in the ninth inning, but until then things had gone into the Blue Jays favour, however he pitched it scoreless.
The Angel’s manager Mike Scioscia realised his mistake while talking to reporters. "I don't think you can put this week on one guy," Scioscia said. "Vernon obviously hasn't hit his stride. He's just not in the comfort zone in the box yet, but he will be."
There is still a chance for the Angels to make-up for their errors in the next game against the Blue Jays on Sunday. The Angels have scheduled left-handed Jered Weaver to compete with Toronto’s Jo Jo Reyes, who will make his first start of the season.
It will be interesting to see how the Blue Jays carry their winning momentum into the next match-up of the series. The Angels will be looking to improve on their performance and get their offence to provide much needed run support to their pitchers.
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