The Los Angeles Angels got more than they bargained for in their three-game series against the Oakland Athletics at the O.co Coliseum. On Wednesday, the Angels had some bullpen issues yet again as they blew a lead and were not able to battle all the way back in a 9-8 loss. With the series loss, the Angels are now a game and a half behind the A's for second place in the American League West.
Kendrys Morales lofted a home run to right field in the top of the second, but the 1-0 lead only lasted until the bottom of the inning. The A's answered back with a two-run George Kottaras homer off of starter Zack Greinke. RBI singles from Brandon Moss and Josh Reddick quickly made it 4-1 Oakland.
Chris Iannetta cut the Oakland lead by a run when he led off the third with a homer. In the fifth inning, home runs from Torii Hunter and Morales gave the Angels a 5-4 lead.
Greinke turned the ball over to the bullpen in the bottom of the sixth and LaTroy Hawkins promptly gave up five runs on a Coco Crisp double, Yoenis Cespedes two-run single and a mammoth two-run homer from Chris Carter that put the A's back on top, 9-5.
Mark Trumbo snapped his dry spell with his 29th home run in the seventh. The Angels looked like they had a rally in the eighth inning after two infield singles to lead off the frame, but Sean Doolittle struck out Iannetta, Mike Trout and Hunter in succession.
The Halos were able to get two more runs in the top of the ninth with a two-out, two-run single from Howie Kendrick, but Erick Aybar grounded out to end the game.
The Angels will return home and hope to get right against the Seattle Mariners starting on Friday. They'll have a much-needed off day on Thursday to lick their wounds and think about how to remedy their latest skid.
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