The Angels pulled out all the stops for their home opener. They had the sweet uniforms, they had first-ever pitcher Eli Grba throw out the ceremonial first pitch, and even got off to a 2-0 lead. But the Angels couldn't hold off the Toronto Blue Jays, who got a home run from Jayson Nix in the eighth inning, ruining Ervin Santana's night and handing the Angels a 3-2 loss.
Santana started off the game by retiring the first 13 hitters, before allowing Aaron Hill to reach base via single in the fifth inning. Santana pitched a good game, allowing three runs in eight innings, striking out seven against only one walk. But he was hung with the loss. The quality start was the second for Santana, and the sixth in seven games for the Angels, three each from their top three starters.
Their fourth starter, Scott Kazmir, has struggled of late, and he won't get a chance to struggle for some time. After the game, the Angels placed Kamir on the 15-day disabled list, according to Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times, and will call up Matt Palmer to start on Saturday.
Kyle Drabek pitched well tonight for Toronto, allowing two runs (one earned run) in six innings. Octavio Dotel got the win in relief by pitching a scoreless seventh inning. Jon Rauch pitched the ninth for his second save. Brett Cecil starts on Saturday for the Blue Jays.
For more news and information on the Angels and tonight's game, be sure to read the SB Nation blog Halos Heaven.