ANAHEIM, Calif. โ On Tuesday night, a tense moment erupted during the Los Angeles Angelsโ 8-5 victory over the Texas Rangers, as both teamsโ benches cleared in the eighth inning. Even though there were no physical altercations, the atmosphere was charged with emotion post-game.
The commotion began after Rangers pitcher Shawn Armstrong hit Zach Neto and Mike Trout with back-to-back pitches, which loaded the bases for the Angels. This prompted Angelsโ interim manager Ray Montgomery to approach the plate, vigorously gesturing and shouting towards Texas manager Bruce Bochy.
Bochy later remarked, โI just heard the yelling, and that was enough. The last thing on our minds was hitting guys intentionally. Armstrong was there to prevent them from scoring, but unfortunately, we hit someone. Apparently, thatโs seen as intentional, but when they hit Corey Seager, it isnโt. It seemed like enough.โ
Montgomery acknowledged his reaction was partly because Neto had been hit earlier by Patrick Corbin and Luis Rengifo was also struck later in the game by Caleb Boushley. However, he did not accuse the Rangers of deliberately targeting his players.
โYou hit our second baseman, our shortstop twice, and then Mike Trout โ I simply asked, โHow many times are you going to hit a guy?โโ Montgomery said. โI wasnโt suggesting they were doing it on purpose. Emotions run high in such moments. My frustration was due to our players being hit, and I wanted them to manage their pitches better.โ
The Angels players appreciated their managerโs spirited defense. Trout commented, โThe team appreciated him standing up for us. Since day one, Iโve said it โ weโre a close-knit group, and we play for each other.โ
The game saw the Angels trailing 4-3 in the sixth inning, only to come back with a four-run burst with two outs. Gustavo Camperoโs RBI double tied the game, Yoรกn Moncada contributed a pinch-hit, two-run single for a 6-4 advantage, and Neto followed with an RBI double, increasing the lead to 7-4.
Despite being out-hit 14-6, the Angels clinched their fourth win in five games, reaching a 53-55 record. This victory brought them to within four games of an AL wild-card position just before Thursdayโs trade deadline. Texas, on the other hand, with a 56-52 record, sits one game shy of the playoff contention.
Kenley Jansen, the seasoned closer who is the subject of trade speculations while the Angels decide on their roster strategy before the deadline, delivered a flawless ninth inning, securing his 20th save. This extended his streak to 17 scoreless games.
โI still have faith in this team,โ Jansen stated regarding the Angels, who are striving to end a decade-long playoff absence. โThe front office will decide our direction, but if we can identify improvements, we have a lineup capable of winning games. I admire this group and want to contribute to the franchiseโs turnaround.โ