The Los Angeles Angels suffered a disappointing 5-1 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks on July 9, 2023, at Angel Stadium, as a lackluster fourth inning derailed their hopes of entering the All-Star break with renewed momentum. The defeat dropped the Angels’ record to 47-49, leaving them struggling to find their footing as the season progresses.
Despite a strong performance the previous night, where the Angels recorded 15 hits in a 10-5 victory, they managed to secure only three hits against Diamondbacks’ starter Merrill Kelly. Kelly’s five-inning outing was marked by inconsistency, as he walked four of the first ten batters he faced but still allowed just one run and one hit, throwing only 58 of his 98 pitches for strikes.
Angels pitcher Jose Soriano continued to battle control issues, walking three batters in a five-inning performance that saw him surrender five hits and five runs, only one of which was earned. Soriano’s season has been marred by struggles with command, as he ranks second in the major leagues with 55 walks over 113 innings pitched.
The game’s turning point came in the fourth inning, where the Angels’ defense faltered significantly. Third baseman Yoán Moncada committed two costly errors, including one that allowed the Diamondbacks to tie the game at 1-1. The inning began with Geraldo Perdomo drawing a walk and advancing to second on Josh Naylor‘s single.
Moncada’s attempt to execute a double play backfired when he misplayed a ground ball hit by Eugenio Suárez, allowing Perdomo to score. Following this error, Blaze Alexander delivered a soft RBI double, giving Arizona a 2-1 lead. The inning concluded with Jose Herrera hitting a two-run double, extending the Diamondbacks’ advantage to 4-1.
In the fifth inning, further defensive lapses allowed Arizona to stretch its lead. With two outs and Perdomo on first, Suárez hit a blooper to shallow right field. Angels right fielder LaMonte Wade Jr. attempted a diving catch but fell short, allowing Perdomo to score from first base, bringing the score to 5-1.
The Angels briefly took the lead in the third inning through aggressive baserunning by Zach Neto, who walked, advanced on a flyout, and scored on a single by Mike Trout. This marked Trout’s 995th career RBI, but the team’s inability to maintain momentum and capitalize on scoring opportunities ultimately sealed their fate.
As the Angels head into the All-Star break, they face critical decisions on how to address their inconsistencies both on the mound and in the field. The team will need a renewed focus and improved execution if they hope to turn their season around in the second half.