Carson Fulmer pitched well for the Angels in their game against the Oakland A’s, leaving the mound with a two-run lead in the sixth inning. However, relief pitcher Hans Crouse faltered, giving up a two-run homer and the go-ahead run in the Angels’ 5-4 loss. Manager Ron Washington expressed disappointment in the team’s inability to hold on to a four-run lead and keep grinding after getting ahead early in the game.
Crouse, who had been a feel-good story for the Angels this summer, struggled in this outing after posting a 1.76 ERA in his first 15 games. Despite Crouse’s performance, Fulmer has been a bright spot in the rotation, keeping the team in the game in all three of his starts.
The Angels offense got off to a strong start with two two-run homers in the first inning by Taylor Ward and Nolan Schanuel. Ward’s homer marked a return to form after a hit-by-pitch incident in June, and Schanuel continued to improve his OPS each month, reaching an .866 mark in July.
The Angels missed opportunities to score further in the game, including a play where Jo Adell was thrown out at the plate trying to score from first on a double by Anthony Rendon. Washington defended third base coach Eric Young Sr.’s decision to send Adell, stating that fans could form their own opinions on the play.
After sweeping the A’s in late June, the Angels have struggled more recently, losing seven of their past eight meetings. Despite the loss, Fulmer remains grateful for the opportunity to start and hopes to establish himself as a reliable member of the rotation.
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