Los Angeles Angels squeak out 2–1 win over Tampa Bay Rays
On Monday night, the Los Angeles Angels once again came from behind to claim another victory. This time, they got the better of the Tampa Bay Rays, and came away with a 3–2 win to open up the series.
But the Angels started their run production early once again on Monday night. Cameron Maybin reached base on an infield single. He then reached third after a throwing error from the Rays’ catcher, Derek Norris, off an attempted steal. Mike Trout drew a walk to put two on for the Angels in the top of the first. Then, Andrelton Simmons hit a ball deep enough to center field to drive in Maybin for the quick 1–0 lead.
Los Angeles’ upper, though, went away once Tampa Bay came up to bat. Corey Dickerson hit the third pitch of the inning the opposite way over the left field fence. Tampa Bay’s advantage doubled three batters later when Logan Morrison sent a ball into the right field bleachers to make it 2–1.
JC Ramirez, as he has done all season long, settled down after the shaky opening frame. In his remaining 5.2 innings, Ramirez gave up only four more hits, and wound up striking five total, while only walking one batter. That gave his team a fighting chance. And with this year’s Angels squad, no deficit is too big.
In the fifth inning, the visiting team chipped away at the Rays’ slim edge. Maybin hit a towering shot to left field after Nolan Fontana struck out to begin his team’s half of the inning. The ball bounced off the rafters at Tropicana Field which benefited the Angels. Stadium rules state that if the ball hits the rafter above in a certain area, a home run should be given. It was and the Angels tied the game at two.
Two innings later, the Angles ground out the go-ahead run. Jefry Marte led off the seventh with a walk. Marte reached second with Martin Maldonado batting to put him into scoring position. And then Fontanta sacrificed him to third, as he sent a ball deep enough to center field.
Then, Ryne Stanek walked the next three batters, two — Mike Trout and Albert Pujols — through the new intentional walk rule. However, with Pujols at bat, a ball skipped past Norris which brought in the game-winning run.
The Angels will look to claim their second win of the series tomorrow night when these same two sides meet yet again. Matt Shoemaker and Alex Cobb will battle it out with first pitch slated for 7:10 PM EST.
