Halo Highlights-Greinke Outdueled in Angel Debut

Zack Greinke did all he could do in his Angel debut yesterday. Jeremy Hellickson just pitched a little bit better. Greinke gave up two runs over seven while striking out eight but the Angel offense could only muster four this versus Rays pitching and the Rays won the game 2-0 and took the series as well.

July 29, 2012; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Zack Greinke (23) pitches in the sixth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-US PRESSWIRE

The game was scoreless until the sixth when Matt Joyce drove in Sam Fuld with the game’s first run. In the seventh, Carlos Pena led off the inning with a double and moved to third on a ground out. Greinke uncorked a wild pitch which allowed Pena to score for the final run. The Angels tried to muster a rally when Maicer Izturis and Howard Kendrick each singled, but ex-Angel Fernando Rodney got Albert Pujols to ground into a game ending double play.

If Greinke pitches this way, he will win more than he’ll lose, especially with the offense that the Angels have. It was the first time the Angels were shut out in back to back games since early May when the team was really struggling. Angel fans just need to be patient. The team will gel.

The Angels now travel to Texas to take on the division rival Rangers. The Angels are now half a game behind the Oakland A’s for second and five behind the Rangers for the division lead. Ervin Santana and Roy Oswalt will be facing off in this one which is at 4:05PT/7:05ET