Title: Angels Turn Sensational Triple Play to Keep Game Tied
Date: August 19, 2023
The Los Angeles Angels shocked fans at Angel Stadium during Friday night’s game against the Tampa Bay Rays as they successfully executed their first triple play in 26 years, keeping the game tied. Although their efforts ultimately resulted in a 9-6 loss in 10 innings, the Angels’ impressive defensive play injected new energy into the match.
With the score level at 6-6 in the ninth inning, Tampa Bay had runners at the corners and hoped to break the tie. Harold Ramirez hit a sharp grounder towards shortstop Luis Rengifo, who quickly relayed the ball to second baseman Brandon Drury, eliminating Randy Arozarena. Drury wasted no time throwing to first baseman Nolan Schanuel to complete the double play.
However, the Angels’ exceptional play did not stop there. Yandy Diaz, positioned at third base, wisely held his ground as the ball left Rengifo’s hand. Diaz patiently waited for Drury’s throw to first before attempting to sprint for home plate. Unfortunately for Diaz and the Rays, Schanuel unleashed a pinpoint throw to catcher Logan O’Hoppe, who made an impressive tag on Diaz’s left shoulder. The third out was thus recorded, concluding the Angels’ first triple play since July 5, 1997, against the Seattle Mariners.
Celebrations erupted among the Angels, with O’Hoppe and pitcher Carlos Estevez basking in the accomplishment. Estevez felt particularly proud, as his pitching played a vital role in setting up the historic triple play.
Despite the Angels’ momentous achievement, they were unable to capitalize on their defensive prowess in the bottom of the ninth. With runners on first and second and only one out, Shohei Ohtani struck out, and Drury grounded out, ultimately forcing the game into extra innings.
In the tenth inning, the Rays eventually found their breakthrough, scoring three runs to secure the victory. The inning started with pinch-runner Jose Siri positioned on second as part of the rule that places a runner on base at the start of extra innings. Siri then advanced to third on a wild pitch by Carlos Estevez. Luke Raley then stepped up, driving in Siri to give the Rays the go-ahead run. Brandon Lowe and Rene Pinto also contributed with RBI base hits, extending Tampa Bay’s lead further.
Angels manager Phil Nevin expressed his team’s frustration over missed opportunities in the ninth inning, acknowledging that failing to convert those chances ultimately proved costly.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.