This time, the bullpen could not close the door.
And, this time, the Tampa Bay Rays went down hard.
One night after being shut down by the Rays’ relief pitchers, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim erupted for a 6-2 victory Thursday night. The Angels scored three in the seventh, highlighted by Mike Trout’s run-scoring double, and two in the ninth on a home run by Albert Pujols, to take the deciding game of the series. The homer by Pujols broke his tie on the all-time home run record, putting him in 16th place ahead of Mickey Mantle.
The Rays had led early, 2-0, on a home run by Steven Souza Jr. Starter Alex Colome had left the game in the fifth inning with a 2-1 lead.
After the game, the pitching-depleted Rays juggled their roster to try to bring in reinforcements. Pitcher Preston Guilmet was sent back to Durham. Pitcher Andrew Bellati was placed on the disabled list, and Enny Romero will take his place. Backup catcher Bobby Wilson was designated for assignment so pitcher Mike Andriese could be brought up to start tonight’s game.
The Rays will have only one catcher, Rene Rivera, for tonight’s game against the White Sox, which will begin at 7:10 p.m.
