Angels News: LA's Pitchers Reflect on Late-Game Meltdown Versus Blue Jays

The smallest of mistakes can lead to massive changes in a game.

The Los Angeles Angels and Toronto Blue Jays mirrored each other in many ways during their Sunday matchup. It certainly was Easter but instead of hunting for eggs, their hunters were searching for pitches to turn into homers and they found plenty.

A final score 12-11 does not tell the full story. Most fans would've seen the Angels start the game up 6-0 in the first four innings and think they had a cake walk the rest of the way. Then, through some morale, they would think the same for the Blue Jays after they powered off ten unanswered runs. For it to end off at the score it did took multiple mistakes from the pitching on both sides.

Reid Detmers was looking to have a very solid outing at the mound. Only one hit through the first five innings had left the Blue Jays stunned with no runs. However, one change-up at the wrong time resulted in multiple runners on base and then a home run for Matt Chapman.

Detmers spoke to the LA Times about these momentum-shifting plays.

Matt Chapman grand slam and the Blue Jays are back in this game! pic.twitter.com/fMRz8gvx4P

— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) April 9, 2023

“I thought I made a really good pitch, they hit it through the hole,” said Detmers. “Two sliders got away from me. Hit Vladdy in the foot and then after that it was kind of everything was up in the air.”

(Via LA Times)

Detmers was pulled soon after but the results were not any better as the bullpen continued to give up runs themselves as well.

Carlos Estevez was one of the relievers who failed to hold onto the lead and spoke about his reflections from the loss as well.

“I just missed my spot twice and that’s what happens,” said Estevez. “You make mistakes, you pay for it at this level.”

(Via LA Times)

The Angels were still almost able to pull it off despite blowing their previous lead but ultimately could not complete it. Their pitching staff looks to regroup ahead of Monday's 6:38 pm PT game against the Washington Nationals.