The Los Angeles Angels entered their Thursday night game against the Oakland Athletics knowing that, regardless of the outcome, they would leave the game still not having won a series in 2012. Still, they were hoping to pick up a win in order to split the four-game series at the Big A. One night after being shut out behind a historic pitching performance by Bartolo Colon, the Angels dropped the series, three games to one, with a 4-2 loss despite the A's managing only three hits.
The Angels felt confident with C.J. Wilson on the mound, but the A's once again got the early lead, as Seth Smith drew a two-out walk in the top of the second inning and came around to score on a Kurt Suzuki double.
Wilson led off the top of the fourth with walks to Yoenis Cespedes and Jonny Gomes. A throwing error by Wilson on a Seth Smith-induced fielder's choice allowed both of those runs to score, giving Oakland a 3-0 lead. After striking out Suzuki, Wilson allowed a single to Kila Ka`aihue that scored Smith.
The Angels scored their first runs since Tuesday night in the bottom of the fourth, on a leadoff double by Albert Pujols and a one-out RBI double by Vernon Wells. Mark Trumbo then singled home Wells to cut the Athletics' lead to 4-2.
Los Angeles got runners on first and third with no outs in the bottom of the sixth inning and were unable to score. They again put two men on with one out in the seventh inning but couldn't get a run across.
In the end, Wilson's two-run throwing error ended up being the difference, as the A's only managed three hits in the entire game. Wilson allowed two hits and three walks in six innings, being charged with three earned runs while striking out eight. He takes his first loss of the season.
Pujols had a good day at the plate, going 3-for-5 with three doubles and a run scored.
For all news and information regarding the Los Angeles Angels, please visit Halos Heaven. For updates and perspective regarding the Oakland A's, head on over to Athletics Nation or check out SB Nation Bay Area.
