Halo Highlights: Angels Avoid Being No-Hit, Still Fall in 10, Lose 5-4

For six plus innings in this afternoon match up with the Baltimore Orioles, the Angels were silent. And by silent, I mean they had zero hits. They tallied on base runner in that time via the walk, that base runner just so happened to be historically weak “walk-taker,” Mark Trumbo. Man, I need an Advil Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports It was shaping up to be the kind of game that can really put a damper on a person’s Saturday afternoon. And what made it even worse, is that said pitcher who was carving up the Angels lineup, was Freddy Garcia. Freddy bleeping Garcia. All the facepalms were used up as the Angels tried to desperately get something going. Even Hank Conger laid down a bunt in his first at-bat in an attempt to manufacture some momentum.

Finally, in the seventh inning, the Angels broke through. Erick Aybar saved my sanity (and a possible trip to the nearby sanitarium) by notching the first basehit of the game for the Halos. Three batters later, Mark Trumbo reminded everyone of who was pitching, and proceeded to launch his eighth Trumbo Jack of the young season over the left field fence, cutting the Orioles lead to two.

In the eighth, Conger dropped down his second bunt of the afternoon, this time successfully (albeit rather comical). That would be followed up by Mike Scioscia making his most controversial move of the game. With Josh Hamilton being given a “mental day,” Conger started the day as the DH. With Chris Iannetta due up, and Conger on first, Mike Scioscia opted to pinch hit for Iannetta with Scott Cousins. For those of you playing the home game, this move effectively removed the DH from the lineup, since now Conger had to vacate the DH spot so he could move to behind the plate. This gamble works so long as the Angels take the lead. Which they didn’t.

They did tie the game however on an RBI groundout by Erick Aybar and an RBI single from Mike Trout. But that would be the end of the scoring for the Halos. A leadoff walk to Trumbo was negated on a botched hit and run attempt in the ninth. And after the Orioles pushed a run across in the 10th, the Angels went quietly in their half, and the fat lady sang her tune.

So, to recap; no-hit bid, failed….comeback attempt, foiled….bonehead Scioscia mistake, check. The Angels will try to salvage a series split tomorrow when Jerome Williams makes his first start of the season opposite Jason Hammel for the Orioles. Game time is at 12:35 PM PST.