They didn’t.

Sandoval, the Angels’ Opening Day starter, has lost two of his three starts this season, including allowing four runs in the Angels’ 6-4 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday night.

“It was a big struggle,” Manager Ron Washington said of Sandoval’s performance. “A lot of 3-2 counts. Just couldn’t command the fastball. Didn’t have any consistency with the offspeed, but he stayed in there.”

It was a disappointing night for the Angels after an encouraging start, with Mike Trout putting them on top with a two-run homer in the first inning.

The three-time American League MVP is the first player in Angels history to hit six homers in the first 11 games of the season. Trout’s homer was a two-run shot, the first of his homers that wasn’t a solo homer.

Otherwise, though, the Angels didn’t do much at the plate. They scored on an error in the fourth, and then didn’t even get another runner into scoring position until they were down to their last out and down by three in the ninth.

The Angels (6-5) couldn’t take Sandoval off the hook for the loss, even though it was a one-run game when he threw his final pitch. Sandoval didn’t make it out of the second inning in his Opening Day loss, but then he pitched well in a victory. This time he gave up four runs in five innings, lifting his ERA to 6.57.

“It’s still early,” Washington said. “He’s healthy. There’s nothing wrong with him. He’s just got to start commanding the baseball, especially the fastball, more frequently. I think once he starts commanding the fastball the rest of his stuff will play.”

Sandoval issued three walks, but one of them was questionable.

Sandoval appeared to get squeezed at times by plate umpire Bill Miller, including on a pitch that could have been the third strike on Curtis Mead to lead off the second. Mead ended up walking, sparking a two-run inning. The first of those runs came on a play that was initially ruled an out at the plate, but overturned on review.

Sandoval was also called for a balk when he had José Siri picked off in the fourth. And he was a victim of a misplay when right fielder Mickey Moniak failed to catch a fly ball after a long run just inside the foul line, leading to another run.

Despite all of that going against him, Sandoval still managed to get through five innings with the Angels in the game. They trailed 4-3 when he threw his 101st and final pitch in the fifth inning.

The hitters, though, couldn’t do anything else, and the bullpen allowed the lead to grow.

José Cisnero gave up a homer to Isaac Paredes in the seventh. His fly ball was barely inside the left field pole. Cisnero has allowed seven runs in 4⅓ innings so far this season.

In the eighth, Hunter Strickland gave up a run when José Caballero singled, stole second and scored on a two-out blooper into right.

Luis Rengifo drove in a run in the bottom of the ninth, and the Angels had the potential winning run at the plate. Pinch hitter Miguel Sanó took the final two pitches, both sliders that were called strikes.

“From my vantage, point (closer Pete Fairbanks) left two balls up,” Washington said. “I wish (Sanó) would have went for them. Take his chances. Go for them. I think those two balls up, if he took his chances, as strong as he is, something big may have happened. But I’m not in that batters’ box.”

“I don’t really know,” the Angels’ third baseman said on Tuesday. “Nothing’s really changed. Just trying to stay adamant about my work. Continue talking with the hitting coaches and just keep working every day. They’re finally just falling.”

Rendon began the season in an 0-for-21 slump. Since then, he has six hits in 16 at-bats, including three hits on Monday night.

Manager Ron Washington said Rendon was showing signs even when he was hitless that he was on the right track.

“Rendon is a hands hitter,” Washington said. “A hands hitter has to be able to stay behind the ball, and if you notice earlier he was behind the ball but late. Now, the more at-bats you get and more comfortable that he’d become with his hands, then you start getting them out there.”

Rendon’s first hit was a chopper to third base last Friday night.

“That opened up the floodgates and now he’s centering the ball the way he’s capable of centering the ball,” Washington said.

While Rendon’s performance has been uneven, he has at least remained on the field. He was in the lineup for the 10th time in 11 games on Tuesday. He said he’s feeling “pretty good.”

“Just trying to continue to stay on top of my body and do some maintenance stuff,” Rendon said. “Just trying to be happy being out there every day, especially how it’s been the last few years.”

Rendon’s injuries, which have cost him much of the past three years, are one of the reasons that he was booed loudly by a segment of fans throughout the first homestand. It also didn’t help that there’s a perception that he’s not sufficiently committed to baseball, which existed even before he proclaimed in spring training that his family is a higher priority than baseball.

Amid all that, another segment of fans has cheered Rendon loudly this week, in an effort to encourage him to move past his struggles.

Asked about both extremes, Rendon said: “It’s all good. It’s just unfortunate that sometimes my words and my interviews get taken out of context. It’s nothing that I’ve been in control of.”

NOTES

The Angels still have not released any information on pitcher Chase Silseth’s MRI exam. Silseth (elbow inflammation) said he felt something on a few breaking balls during Sunday’s start, and it was enough to place him on the injured list. …

Right-hander Robert Stephenson (shoulder inflammation) came through his live batting practice session well on Tuesday, Washington said. “I think we’re about to get him out of here and on a rehab,” Washington said. Stephenson is expected to need at least a couple weeks worth of outings because he didn’t pitch in any games in spring training. …

Zach Neto was not in the lineup on Tuesday. Neto was hitting .200 with 10 strikeouts in 35 at-bats. “Just pressing,” Washington said. “I think he’s chasing hits instead of chasing the baseball and letting the hits happen. Just chasing it, so I wanted to give him a mental break today.”

UP NEXT

Rays (RHP Zack Littell, 1-0, 0.82 ERA) at Angels (RHP José Soriano, 0-1, 4.50), Wednesday, 1:07 p.m., Bally Sports West, 830 AM

• 

  Angels star Mike Trout (27) celebrates with Manager Ron Washington, right, as he returns to the dugout after hitting a home run during the third inning of their game against the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday night at Angel Stadium. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)

• 

  Angels starting pitcher Tyler Anderson throws to the plate during the first inning of their game against the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday night at Angel Stadium. Anderson pitched seven scoreless innings in a 7-1 win. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)

• 

  Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Zach Eflin throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Angels, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)

• 

  Angels star Mike Trout hits an RBI triple during the first inning of their game against the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday night at Angel Stadium. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

• 

  Angels star Mike Trout hits an RBI triple during the first inning of their game against the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday night at Angel Stadium. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

• 

  Angels star Mike Trout, center, is congratulated by third base coach Eric Young Sr., left, after hitting an RBI triple as Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Isaac Paredes looks on during the first inning on Monday at Angel Stadium. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

• 

  The Angels’ Anthony Rendon celebrates in the dugout after scoring on a triple hit by Mike Trout during the first inning of a baseball game against the Tampa Bay Rays, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)

• 

  Tampa Bay Rays center fielder Jose Siri catches a fly ball hit by Angels designated hitter Miguel Sanó during the first inning of a baseball game, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)

• 

  Angels star Mike Trout celebrates in the dugout after scoring on a single hit by Taylor Ward during the first inning of a baseball game against the Tampa Bay Rays, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)

• 

  Angels second baseman Luis Rengifo throws to first baseman Brandon Drury for the out on the Tampa Bay Rays’ Yandy Díaz during the third inning of a baseball game, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)

• 

  Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Zach Eflin throws to the plate during the first inning of their game against the Angels on Monday at Angel Stadium. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

• 

  Angels star Mike Trout hits a home run during the third inning of a baseball game against the Tampa Bay Rays, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)

• 

  Angels star Mike Trout watches the flight of his solo home run during the third inning of their game against the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday night at Angel Stadium. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

• 

  Angels star Mike Trout watches the flight of his solo home run during the third inning of their game against the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday night at Angel Stadium. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

• 

  Angels star Mike Trout tosses his bat after hitting a home run during the third inning of a baseball game against the Tampa Bay Rays, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)

• 

  Angels star Mike Trout watches the flight of his solo home run as he begins to run the bases during the third inning of their game against the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday night at Angel Stadium. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

• 

  Angels starting pitcher Tyler Anderson throws to the plate during the first inning of their game against the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday at Angel Stadium. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

• 

  Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Zach Eflin throws to the plate during the fourth inning of their game against the Angels on Monday night at Angel Stadium. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

• 

  Angels second base Luis Rengifo, left, catches the Tampa Bay Rays’ José Caballero stealing second during the fifth inning of a baseball game, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)

• 

  Angels second base Luis Rengifo, left, catches the Tampa Bay Rays’ José Caballero stealing second during the fifth inning of a baseball game, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)

• 

  The Angels’ Anthony Rendon runs after hitting a single during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Tampa Bay Rays, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)

• 

  Angels star Mike Trout looks up after hitting a foul ball during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Tampa Bay Rays, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)

• 

  Angels starting pitcher Tyler Anderson throws to the plate during the first inning of their game against the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday night at Angel Stadium. Anderson pitched seven scoreless innings in a 7-1 win. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)

• 

  Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Zach Eflin, left, gets a visit from pitching coach Kyle Snyder, right, and catcher René Pinto during the fifth inning of their game against the Angels on Monday night at Angel Stadium. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

• 

  Tampa Bay Rays shortstop José Caballero throws out the Angels’ Mike Trout at first base during the fifth inning of a baseball game, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)

• 

  The Angels’ Anthony Rendon is congratulated in the dugout after scoring on a hit by Taylor Ward during the fifth inning of their game against the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday night at Angel Stadium. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

• 

  Tampa Bay Rays relief pitcher Jacob Waguespack throws to the plate during the sixth inning of their game against the Angels on Monday night at Angel Stadium. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

• 

  The Angels’ Luis Rengifo, right, steals second base against Tampa Bay Rays second base Curtis Mead after a wild pitch by pitcher Jacob Waguespack during the sixth inning of a game, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)

• 

  Angels starting pitcher Tyler Anderson cools off in the dugout before pitching during the seventh inning of their game against the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday night at Angel Stadium. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

• 

  Angels starting pitcher Tyler Anderson throws to the plate during the seventh inning of their game against the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday night at Angel Stadium. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

• 

  Angels star Mike Trout runs to first after grounding out during the seventh inning of a game against the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday, April 8, 2024, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)

• 

  Angels starting pitcher Tyler Anderson receives a standing ovation as he walks off the mound during the eighth inning of their game against the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday night at Angel Stadium. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

• 

  The Tampa Bay Rays’ René Pinto gestures after hitting a single during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Angels, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)

• 

  The Tampa Bay Rays’ Yandy Díaz hits a foul ball during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Angels, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)

• 

  Tampa Bay Rays right fielder Amed Rosario fields a ground ball hit by the Angels’ Mickey Moniak during the eighth inning of a baseball game, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Anaheim, Calif. Los Angeles Angels’ Anthony Rendon scored. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)

• 

  Tampa Bay Rays designated hitter Harold Ramírez celebrates in the dugout after scoring off a grounder hit by Isaac Paredes during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Angels, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)

• 

  From left, Angels left fielder Taylor Ward, center fielder Mike Trout, and right fielder Mickey Moniak celebrate after the team’s win in a baseball game against the Tampa Bay Rays, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)

• 

  From left, Angels outfielders Taylor Ward, Mike Trout and Mickey Moniak celebrate after their 7-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday night at Angel Stadium. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

• 

  Angels center fielder Mike Trout, right, gestures near shortstop Zach Neto after the team’s win in a baseball game against the Tampa Bay Rays, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)

• 

  Angels center fielder Mike Trout, right, and third baseman Anthony Rendon celebrate after their 7-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday night at Angel Stadium. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

• 

  Angels star Mike Trout takes batting practice before a baseball game against the Tampa Bay Rays, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)

• 

  Angels star Mike Trout takes batting practice before a baseball game against the Tampa Bay Rays, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)

• 

  Angels star Mike Trout takes batting practice before a baseball game against the Tampa Bay Rays, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)

• 

  Tampa Bay Rays left fielder Randy Arozarena speaks to fans before a baseball game against the Angels, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)

ANAHEIM — The Angels have plenty of players looking to rebound from disappointing seasons in 2023, and none of them so far has been more successful than Tyler Anderson.

The left-hander pitched seven scoreless innings in a 7-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday night.

Anderson hasn’t allowed a run in 14 innings this season. He became the first Angels pitcher since Hector Santiago in 2016 to pitch at least seven scoreless innings in two consecutive games. The Angels had never had a pitcher do it in his first two starts of the season.

It’s been an eye-opening start for a pitcher who posted a 5.43 ERA in 2023, the first season after the Angels signed him to a three-year, $39 million deal.

When Anderson walked off the mound in the eighth inning on Monday, he was greeted by a standing ovation.

“That was great,” Anderson said. “We have a lot of great fans. I feel like last year I didn’t pitch well for them. So to start off the year this way when people are here always feels good.”

Anderson got all the offensive support he needed from Mike Trout, who to a lesser degree is also looking to prove something this season. Trout tripled and hit his fifth home run of the season, equaling the major league lead. He also singled. The three-time American League MVP is now hitting .297 with an OPS of 1.138.

Taylor Ward also drove in three runs with his three hits, including a single to drive in Trout after his RBI triple in the first. That gave Anderson a 2-0 lead before the second inning, and he then cruised through a Rays lineup that included nine right-handed hitters.

He needed just 91 pitches to record 21 outs, leaving to a standing ovation after allowing a leadoff hit in the eighth. He struck out three and walked one.

The only trouble he faced was in the fourth inning.

Anderson walked Randy Arozarena and then Isaac Paredes pulled a grounder down the third base line, for a double. Amed Rosario hit a sharp liner, but it was right to first baseman Brandon Drury. Curtis Mead then hit a fly ball that Trout caught on the warning track.

Anderson said the differences from last year to this year are his mental approach and his defense.

“I think really just trying to go pitch to pitch, and not try to think too much,” Anderson said. “Just just try to execute as many as you can. And then really our defense has been great the last two for me, which is huge. I don’t get a lot of strikeouts. Our positioning has been really good. A lot of things that we’ve talked about. Guys have made really good adjustments, our staff’s made great adjustments. Having guys in the right spot at the right time is huge.”

Anderson got some help from another player looking to give the Angels some value after a disappointing tenure with the team.

Anthony Rendon had two singles and a double, his first multi-hit game of the season. Rendon is now 6 for 16 since his 0-for-21 start to the season. Rendon led off the game with a hit and then scored on Trout’s triple into right field. Rendon’s single in the fifth sparked a two-run rally that pushed the Angels lead to 5-0. Rendon’s double in the eighth led to another run.

Luis Rengifo also drove in a run with a seventh-inning single.

Eight of the nine players in the starting lineup reached with a hit or walk.

The full-squad performance was a dramatic turnaround from Sunday’s ugly 12-2 loss to the Boston Red Sox.

“You find out the character of the people you’re around when you get knocked down the way we got knocked down yesterday,” Manager Ron Washington said. “We come back and proved there is some character in that room. We just got to learn, as I always say, to be able to sustain, to be consistent. Yeah, we got punched, but it didn’t bother us. We came back. We prepared. And we went out and played.”

Trout TRIPLE Rendon SCORES@Angels l #RepTheHalo pic.twitter.com/pL7yaJagM9

— Bally Sports West (@BallySportWest) April 9, 2024

TROUTTTT @Angels l #RepTheHalo pic.twitter.com/nhDJMQLjpR

— Bally Sports West (@BallySportWest) April 9, 2024

Wash chats about Anderson and his ability to STEP UP @Angels l #RepTheHalo pic.twitter.com/oiLDVQFTT7

— Bally Sports West (@BallySportWest) April 9, 2024

LTBU @EricaLWeston@Angels l #RepTheHalo pic.twitter.com/gIeLG83FFI

— Bally Sports West (@BallySportWest) April 9, 2024

“Anytime there’s something with the elbow, I have concern,” the Angels right-hander said. “Anytime any injury happens, you want to be ahead of it.”

The Angels placed Silseth on the injured list on Monday, a day after he gave up three runs in five innings in a 12-2 loss to the Boston Red Sox. Silseth was diagnosed with right elbow inflammation pending the result of the MRI exam.

Silseth’s velocity dropped from around 95 mph in the first inning to 92 mph by the fifth inning on Sunday, but he said after the game that he didn’t think anything of it. He said he was “trying to work through some things.”

On Monday, Silseth said he felt something during the game, but it wasn’t enough to cause any alarm.

“I felt it on a couple breaking balls, but I didn’t think anything of it because it’s getting to the plate,” he said. “They’re good pitches when I threw them. I didn’t really think anything. I just thought normal stuff. Then, I came in here (the clubhouse) and did my stuff and it wasn’t going away after I did everything. So then I brought it up, just to be safe.”

In the meantime, the Angels will replace Silseth in the rotation with right-hander José Soriano. Soriano will start on Wednesday, which gives an extra two days to Griffin Canning. Canning will now start on Friday in Boston.

Soriano was a reliever last season, but he showed enough potential that the Angels gave him a try in the rotation this spring. Although Soriano did well, the Angels still felt it was best to begin the season with him in the major league bullpen, working multiple innings to remain stretched out to start.

Soriano pitched three dominant innings in his first game, and then he gave up three runs in three innings in his second game. His fastball has routinely hit 101 mph.

Soriano was stretched out to 60 pitches in spring training and he threw 43 pitches on Friday.

“We’ll just put him out there till he can’t go any more,” Manager Ron Washington said. “That doesn’t mean he’s going to reach 100 pitches. With him getting this opportunity, I think he’ll be more consistent in the strike zone. The problem he had the last time was he couldn’t land his secondary stuff. If he starts landing his secondary stuff, he’s the kind of guy get quick outs, so he could be in the eighth.”

As for Canning, his fastball has been down about 2 mph from last year’s velocity throughout both of his starts. Canning said he feels fine.

“It’s not going to hurt to get Canning an extra day,” Washington said.

The Angels also placed right-hander Guillo Zuñiga on the injured list with a right pectoral strain.

“I don’t think it’s very serious,” Washington said. “He felt something and the doctors felt that is what he needed.”

The Angels called up right-handers Hunter Strickland and Carson Fulmer to take the roster spots of Silseth and Zuñiga. Both are capable of pitching multiple innings.

For Strickland, it represents a return to the majors for the first time since 2022. He was released by the Cincinnati Reds in Triple-A early last season, and the spent the rest of the year thinking his career was over. He was coaching kids and decided to try again.

“Just kind of lit a fire and realized I can still do this,” Strickland said on Monday. “There was an unfinished business feeling in my heart. I view the game differently now. Not trying to force results. Force things to happen and just kind of love the game like those kids that I was training.”

The Angels opened 40-man roster spots for Fulmer and Strickland by designating Livan Soto and Zach Plesac for assignment. Plesac is not likely to be claimed because he has a $1 million guaranteed contract. Soto was claimed over the winter by the Baltimore Orioles, who were at the end of the waiver claim order, so he also might clear.

NOTES

Reliever Robert Stephenson (shoulder inflammation) will throw his live batting practice session on Tuesday. He is expected to go on a rehab assignment and be back in the majors by the end of April. …

Right-hander Andrew Wantz was the pitcher of the week in the Triple-A Pacific Coast League. Wantz struck out 11 in six innings last Thursday. …

First baseman Nolan Schanuel was not in the lineup on Monday. Schanuel has started the season in a 2-for-27 slump. “Just to give the young kid a break,” Washington said. “I don’t want him pressing. I don’t want him to get to the point that he thinks we don’t have confidence in him.”

UP NEXT

Rays (RHP Aaron Civale, 1-1, 1.50 ERA) at Angels (LHP Patrick Sandoval, 1-1, 6.14), Tuesday, 6:38 p.m., Bally Sports West, 830 AM

It’s the only thing that keeps people coming back to the ballpark in some cities, the idea that better times are in the future – whether that be the near future or a few (or more) years down the road.

As usual, it’s much of the reason that Angel fans continue to come to the ballpark. But this season the motivation is slightly different. Shohei Ohtani is now a Dodger, Mike Trout is entering the back nine of his career, and the odds are that if there is to be a story of triumph written about this franchise it will be written in future years rather than the coming months, maybe by names like Nolan Scuanuel, Logan O’Hoppe, Mickey Moniak and Zach Neto.

Possibly even Jo Adell, too, though the clock seems to be ticking on the outfielder who was once the franchise’s brightest prospect.

There was plenty of reason for hope when the Angels came home Friday off a 4-2 trip after being hammered twice by Baltimore in Games 1 and 2. The Orioles are really good, and the Marlins really aren’t – they were 0-9 before winning Sunday – so the three games in Miami turned out to be a get-right series for the Angels.

They split the first two games of their home-opening series against Boston, but on Sunday hope wasn’t nearly enough. This was a 12-2 disaster, with Chase Silseth giving up solo home runs to David Hamilton, Rafael Devers and Tyler O’Neill in the third, José Suarez surrendering a three-run shot to Reese McGuire in the sixth (en route to a five-RBI day) and the Red Sox piling on in the ninth with four runs against Guillermo Zuñiga.

Learning experience, right? There will be more games like this – baseball’s law of averages says so, just as it says the Angels will win a few laughers as well – but keep in mind that this team’s magic number is not 2024. When manager Ron Washington talked during the Baltimore series about how his players needed to learn to win, just as the Orioles had to during their rebuild, that was the tipoff. Think ’26, maybe, or ’27.

Have we said that Angel fans are loyal beyond all reason for being so? They may be the most stubborn fans in SoCal in that sense. Their team hasn’t reached the postseason since 2014 and hasn’t won a postseason game since 2009, the red on that “2002 World Champions” pennant in center field fades more every year, and it’s fair to say a majority of Angels fans can’t stand the owner.

The fans who fill my inbox were prepared to party two seasons ago when Arte Moreno decided to explore selling the team, and most of them went into a funk that winter when Moreno pulled the team off the market. It has not yet reached the point where Angels fans wear “SELL” T-shirts to the ballpark like in Oakland, and I’d be curious how the stadium ushers would handle it if they did.

But Moreno’s unpopularity hasn’t lessened. As the stadium elevator headed upstairs Sunday morning, it stopped on the second floor, where Moreno’s box is located. One passenger mistakenly started to get out and his buddy stopped him, saying something along the lines of, “We don’t want to watch the game with him, anyway.”

It could be worse, remember. It is worse, way worse, in Oakland, where A’s fans in the East Bay are about to lose their team and owner John Fisher remains impervious to public opinion, unswayed by not only the idea that Oakland fans hate him but those in the A’s supposed future home of Las Vegas haven’t rolled out a welcome mat, either. (For the record, This Space remains convinced that the plan for a Vegas ballpark is going to fall through. Who knows? They may wind up being the Sacramento A’s permanently.)

There’s no hope in Oakland. There are possibilities in Anaheim, albeit distant ones, and maybe there should be a reality check here as well.

The Angels – and I would suspect that means Moreno – have resisted a full teardown throughout this non-playoff drought. The reasoning is that you just don’t do that in the continent’s second-largest media market, because fans won’t put up with it, and in most cases that’s true.

As late as last August, general manager Perry Minasian made moves at the trade deadline in a last-ditch bid to stay in contention and convince Ohtani to re-sign. The strategy failed when the Angels lost seven straight to begin August and 11 of 14 to fall 13½ games out of first place and eight games out of a wild-card spot, and Minasian wound up waiving Lucas Giolito, Dominic Leone, Matt Moore, Reynaldo López and Hunter Renfroe to get the team under the luxury tax threshold.

So when Moreno demurred this past winter after given the last chance to re-sign Ohtani, and then passed on all five Scott Boras-represented free agents – Blake Snell, Cody Bellinger, Jordan Montgomery, Matt Chapman and J.D. Martinez – as February turned into March, it was pretty evident what the strategy would be.

And to be honest, a rebuild is about as sound a strategy as is available to the Angels. Yes, Snell and maybe Martinez would have looked good in Angels red, but would they have provided enough of a boost to catch the Rangers, Astros and Mariners in the AL West?

At this point it’s better to start over, and that not only means giving the kids on the big-league roster a solid chance, but also committing additional resources to scouting and player development and shoring up the underpinnings.

Having a plan, one that might conceivably get the Angels back to the postseason some time in the remaining six years of Trout’s contract after this one, makes a lot more sense than the blind hope with which the Angels have operated for a decade or so. Granted, this does assume that there is such a detailed plan, and I realize that’s a hefty assumption.

In the meantime, seeing the youngsters grow is a reason to watch, even when the result is as excruciating as it was Sunday.

And as long as we’re talking about hope, there’s still that chance Arte could reverse course again and sell the team.

jalexander@scng.com

Their 12-2 loss to the Boston Red Sox marked the fourth time in nine games they’ve allowed at least eight runs, and the third time they’ve lost by at least eight.

On the bright side, the Angels are 5-4, which is a pace they’d be happy to keep all season.

They won’t be able to do that unless they start to get some better performances, at the plate and on the mound.

“We just couldn’t shut them down,” Angels manager Ron Washington said, “and we couldn’t score any runs.”

Starter Chase Silseth gave up three runs in five innings, and then the game got away with relievers José Cisnero and José Suarez on the mound. It got so bad that designated hitter Miguel Sanó was called on to pitch in the ninth.

Even with better pitching, the Angels would have lost because the hitters came up empty for most of the afternoon.

The Angels had opportunities in the first three innings but couldn’t convert. They left two runners on in the first and third. In the second, Sanó led off with a single and Logan O’Hoppe hit into a double play.

Their best chance came in the third, when leadoff man Anthony Rendon led off with a double, his second hit of the season. Nolan Schanuel moved him to third with a grounder. Mike Trout then walked and stole second, putting two runners in scoring position with one out.

Taylor Ward struck out and Brandon Drury grounded out.

“It could have really changed the momentum of the game if we could have put some runs on board,” Washington said. “If we would have even gotten one, it would have made a difference. We had a chance to get two. We had the meat of the lineup up there. But we just didn’t come through with a base hit.”

The game was out of reach by the time Trout hit a homer – all four of his homers have been solo homers – to make it 8-1 in the eighth.

The Angels have had a few good offensive games, but mostly it’s been a struggle throughout the lineup.

Rendon (.272 OPS), Schanuel (.482), Drury (.429), Mickey Moniak (.327) and Zach Neto (.523) have all started the season poorly at the plate.

On the mound, Silseth gave up three solo homers in the third inning, the second time this weekend an Angels starter gave up three homers in an inning, to David Hamilton, Rafael Devers and Tyler O’Neill.

“It sucks,” Silseth said. “The first guy (Hamilton), I got behind. I threw a fastball and he hit it out. The second one (Devers) I hung a split…. The third one (O’Neill), I just threw him too many fastballs. He handles the inside pitch very well. I just didn’t get it in deep enough.”

Those were the only three hits Silseth allowed. He retired seven of the next eight hitters after the homers.

Silseth threw 91 pitches, and he noticeably lost some velocity on his fastball toward the end, which was one of the issues that had the Angels undecided on whether he should be a starter or reliever early in 2023. Silseth answered late in the season by doing a better job of holding his velocity, which encouraged the Angels to keep him in the rotation.

“It’s early,” Silseth said, explaining the velocity drop. “Trying to work throughout some things. That’s really it. I felt pretty good. It just wasn’t coming out.”

When Silseth left the game, the Angels were down 3-0. That quickly turned into a 7-0 deficit after Cisnero and Suarez allowed four runs in the sixth. Three of them came home on Reese McGuire’s homer against Suarez. Suarez was charged with three more runs in the ninth. After Guillo Zuñiga was unable to record even one out, the Angels ended up using Sanó, who retired the only batter he faced.

For now, though, he’s still waiting.

The Angels outfielder was on the bench again Sunday. He’s started just two of the first nine games.

“I’ve got some pretty good little ball players and I can only get nine on the field,” manager Ron Washington said. “Everyone that’s here is going to get a chance to play. We are at the 7th of April and we started the 28th of March. There’s still a lot of baseball to go. We’ll find places to get Jo in there.”

Although Washington said he’s not necessarily saving Adell to face lefties, that would make sense because Mickey Moniak is not as good against lefties.

The Angels are in the midst of 13 consecutive games against the Boston Red Sox and Tampa Bay Rays. The Red Sox have no lefties in their rotation and the Rays have one. The Angels are not scheduled to see the Rays’ lefty this week.

When the roster was constructed, it was clear that there was the potential for a logjam, with outfielders Aaron Hicks, Moniak and Adell all on the team. Adell and Moniak are out of options, so the Angels can’t send either to the minors.

Washington and Angels general manager Perry Minasian typically dismissed questions about playing time, saying it would work itself out. Although it probably still will, one added variable that was not anticipated over the winter was the presence of Miguel Sanó.

Signed to a minor-league deal, Sanó has started six of the first nine games, including five at DH. Sanó was hitting .261 with an .821 OPS heading into Sunday’s game.

Adell had just 11 plate appearances, going 2 for 9 with a walk. One of his hits was a triple. Adell had struck out twice. He also had a sacrifice fly, which came on a two-strike swing Wednesday in Miami.

“He did exactly what he’s supposed to do,” Washington said. “If you can’t get a base hit, the next best thing is to hit a sac fly. He didn’t get a base hit, but he got a sac fly. He knew his job was to get the ball in the air. And he showed that he has that capability. And that’s the mindset we want to keep him in. Do what the game asks him to do.”

NOTES

Left-hander Amir Garrett has been at 95-98 mph in his first two outings at Triple-A Salt Lake. Garrett has allowed two runs in 1 1/3 innings, with three walks and three strikeouts. The Angels signed the veteran to a minor-league deal after he was released by the San Francisco Giants late in spring training. …

Right-hander Robert Stephenson (shoulder inflammation) is scheduled to throw live batting practice Monday. …

The 12 strikeouts for Reid Detmers on Saturday night were the most for any pitcher so far this season.

UP NEXT

Rays (RHP Zach Eflin, 1-1, 5.25 ERA) at Angels (LHP Tyler Anderson, 1-0, 0.00), Monday, 6:38 p.m., Bally Sports West, 830 AM

• 

  Los Angeles Angels’ Mike Trout, left, shakes hands with former Angels player Torii Hunter after Hunter threw the ceremonial first pitch before a baseball game against the Boston Red Sox, Saturday, April 6, 2024, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

• 

  Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Reid Detmers throws to a Boston Red Sox batter during the first inning of a baseball game Saturday, April 6, 2024, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

• 

  Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Garrett Whitlock throws to a Los Angeles Angels batter during the first inning of a baseball game Saturday, April 6, 2024, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

• 

  Los Angeles Angels’ Anthony Rendon, bottom right, is tagged out at second base by Boston Red Sox shortstop Pablo Reyes on a steal attempt during the first inning of a baseball game Saturday, April 6, 2024, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

• 

  Boston Red Sox’s Jarren Duran, right, is tagged out by Los Angeles Angels second baseman Luis Rengifo on a steal attempt after Duran was caught off first during the third inning of a baseball game Saturday, April 6, 2024, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

• 

  Boston Red Sox second base Enmanuel Valdez makes a throw to first base after a diving stop on a ground ball from Los Angeles Angels’ Luis Rengifo during the sixth inning of a baseball game Saturday, April 6, 2024, in Anaheim, Calif. Rengifo was safe with an infield hit on the play. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

• 

  Los Angeles Angels’ Anthony Rendon follows through on a grounder during the sixth inning against the Boston Red Sox in a baseball game Saturday, April 6, 2024, in Anaheim, Calif. Red Sox third baseman Rafael Devers committed an error, allowing a run to score and Rendon to reach first. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

• 

  Los Angeles Angels’ Anthony Rendon heads toward first after hitting a grounder during the sixth inning against the Boston Red Sox in a baseball game Saturday, April 6, 2024, in Anaheim, Calif. Red Sox third baseman Rafael Devers committed an error, allowing a run to score and Rendon to reach first. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

• 

  Los Angeles Angels’ Mickey Moniak, left, is high-fived by manager Ron Washington after scoring on a ground ball by Anthony Rendon and a Boston Red Sox error during the sixth inning of a baseball game Saturday, April 6, 2024, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

• 

  Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout, right, shakes hands with left fielder Taylor Ward after Trout’s leaping catch on a line drive from Boston Red Sox’s Jarren Duran during the eighth inning of a baseball game Saturday, April 6, 2024, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

• 

  Los Angeles Angels relief pitcher Carlos Estevez, right, and catcher Logan O’Hoppe celebrate the Angels’ win over the Boston Red Sox in a baseball game Saturday, April 6, 2024, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

• 

  Los Angeles Angels’ Mike Trout, left, Luis Rengifo (2) and Mickey Moniak (16) celebrate the Angels’ win over the Boston Red Sox in a baseball game Saturday, April 6, 2024, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

• 

  Los Angeles Angels’ Mike Trout, right, and Anthony Rendon celebrate the team’s win over the Boston Red Sox in a baseball game Saturday, April 6, 2024, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

ANAHEIM – Rarely has Reid Detmers been better, a 2022 no-hitter notwithstanding, with the offense finally able to show its appreciation in the later innings Saturday.

Detmers tied a career high with 12 strikeouts and the offense scratched out a pair of runs in the sixth inning as the Angels pulled out a 2-1 victory over the Boston Red Sox.

“The best thing I like about him is his poise,” manager Ron Washington said. “He’s as poised as they get and his confidence is sky high. The thing that I like is he’s using all parts of the strike zone.”

The same Red Sox offense that scored eight runs with nine hits in Friday’s series-opening victory struck out six times in the first two innings against Detmers. It was the fourth time in Detmers’ career he has recorded double-digit strikeouts.

“Sometimes those starts are kind of scary,” Detmers said about all of the early strikeouts while feeling comfortable on the mound. “You feel too good and stuff could get out of hand. But I could tell in the bullpen I was feeling pretty good. I just had to transfer it over to the game mound.”

And just when it looked like Boston’s single run in the third inning might befuddle the Angels all night, an unlikely two-out rally in the sixth inning emerged.

The first two Angels hitters went down easily in the sixth against Red Sox right-hander Greg Weissert. Then came an infield single from Luis Rengifo, who was promptly called out on a steal attempt of second base. But for the second time in the game, replay overturned an out call on an Angels steal attempt by second-base umpire Tony Randazzo.

Given new life, Mickey Moniak walked and Zach Neto followed with his own infield single to shortstop when Moniak outraced the throw on a force-out attempt to second base.

“(Moniak’s) speed played dividends for us tonight, beating that ball (to second base),” Washington said. “That was the biggest play of the game right there. Gave us another opportunity to try to do something with the bases loaded.”

After he delivered just his second hit from the leadoff spot when he singled in the first inning, Anthony Redon sent a bouncing ball to Red Sox third baseman Rafael Devers, who was unable to make the routine play, allowing two runners to score.

For Detmers (2-0), it was his second impressive start of the young season in two tries after he held the Baltimore Orioles to one run over five innings Sunday in the Angels’ first win of the season.

“You just have to keep it going and keep your confidence high,” said Detmers, who has 19 strikeouts in 11 innings. “Obviously there’s going to be ups and downs but I came into this year just telling myself, ‘You’ve got around 32 starts so just move on to the next.’ That’s kind of my mindset this year and so far it’s gone pretty well.”

In addition to just one walk allowed, Detmers gave up his lone run in six innings on three hits. In all four outings where Detmers has struck out 10 or more, he has allowed three hits or less. In three of those four he has allowed just a lone run.

Further appreciation for the outing came from the bullpen when Adam Cimber, Matt Moore and Carlos Estevez took down the final nine outs, with Estevez earning his third save in three chances. Angels pitchers combined for 14 strikeouts.

“Attacking the strike zone, getting guys to swing early and we just kept attacking,” Estevez said of the pitching staff. “What Detmers did out there was amazing. It was great to see that. And we showed him we had his back.”

The defense supplied its own tip of the cap when Mike Trout went to the warning track, just in front of the center field wall, to take away an extra-base hit from Jarren Duran for the third out of the eighth inning.

“Every play that was made out there, we needed,” Washington said. “It was a 2-1 ballgame. Every play we made we needed and we played great defense.”

The Angels are now 5-1 since Detmers made his season debut, with his next start in line to come next weekend, with the Angels in Boston.

The Angels rookie first baseman appeared to reach base in his 36th consecutive game with a walk on Friday against the Boston Red Sox. He was just two games away from the second-best on-base streak to begin a career in MLB history. Or so it seemed.

Late Friday, news began to trickle in that an MLB scoring change took a hit away from Schanuel last Saturday at Baltimore. A play that was once ruled an infield hit was ruled an error after an Orioles appeal.

Since it was actually the second change to a play, it meant that no more appeals could be accepted and the Angels were not allowed to request a further review of the situation.

“Disappointing, but time to move on,” Schanuel said Saturday.

It was a measured and professional response from the 22-year-old and a clear sign of just how he was able to transition into the major leagues so comfortably in the first place.

The play in question came in the ninth inning at Baltimore on Saturday, when it seemed that Schanuel kept the streak alive with a ground ball toward right field that Orioles first baseman Ryan Mountcastle stopped on a diving play. Mountcastle threw the ball to pitcher Mike Baumann, who couldn’t make the play while in a full sprint to the bag.

The play was originally ruled a hit and a throwing error on Mountcastle as Baumann was unable to come up with his low throw. The rare double change gave the error to Baumann instead.

“I don’t think it was right, but they are the decision makers,” Angels manager Ron Washington said. “I certainly wanted to see history continue. Scorekeeper made a call, another group made another call.”

Instead of extending his on-base streak to 36 consecutive games Friday, it was merely No. 5 for Schanuel.

The Angels are now tracking a different career-opening streak, with Schanuel entering Saturday’s game by reaching base via hit, walk, hit batter or error in those 36 games. Reaching by error does not factor into a player’s on-base percentage.

Only five times in Angels history has a player reached base via hit, walk, hit by pitch or error in more than 36 consecutive games, with Orlando Cabrera at the top of the list with 63 consecutive games in 2007. Mike Trout has streaks of 48 games (2013) and 40 games (2017).

HUNTER, GATHERER

Former Angels Gold Glove winning center fielder Torii Hunter has a new role in the organization as a special assistant to general manager Perry Minasian.

Hunter was a special instructor at spring training, saying at the time: “Full time? Not ready to do that. It could happen someday. We’ll see.”

A special assistant role offers more flexibility than say a job as a coach, something that came up over the winter after Washington was hired as manager. Hunter called that “a rumor.”

In five seasons with the Angels (2008-12), Hunter batted .286 with an .814 OPS and hit 105 home runs with 432 RBIs in 713 games. He was a Gold Glove winner in 2008 and 2009 to earn the last of his nine consecutive defensive honors.

Hunter made two of his five All-Star Games appearances in an Angels uniform.

Hunter played his first 12 seasons with the Minnesota Twins and had served as their special assistant in baseball operations since 2016.

Other former MLB players who serve as a special assistant to Minasian include Kurt Suzuki, Eddie Guardado and Chris Carpenter.

GOOD TO GO

Despite coming out of his first start of the season with a blister and a cracked fingernail, right-hander Chase Silseth is set to make his start Sunday against the Red Sox.

Silseth struggled to the tune of four runs (three earned) on five hits in three innings against the Miami Marlins on Monday. But Mike Trout rode to the rescue with two home runs and the Angels rallied for a 7-4 victory.

Silseth received permission to wear a protective covering on his finger for Saturday’s outing.

UP NEXT

Red Sox (RHP Tanner Houck (1-0, 0.00) at Angels (RHP Chase Silseth, 0-0, 9.00 ERA), Sunday, 1:07 p.m., Bally Sports West, 830 AM

• 

  The Angels and Boston Red Sox line up for the presentation of colors by the United States Army Color Guard during the pregame ceremonies for the Angels’ home opener on Friday night at Angel Stadium. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

• 

  A giant flag is rolled up after the national anthem before the Angels’ home opener against the Boston Red Sox on Friday night at Angel Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

• 

  Former Angels pitcher Jered Weaver waves to the crowd before throwing out a ceremonial pitch before the Angels’ home opener against the Boston Red Sox on Friday night at Angel Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

• 

  Former Angels pitcher Jered Weaver throws out a ceremonial pitch before the Angels’ home opener against the Boston Red Sox on Friday night at Angel Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

• 

  Former Angels pitcher Jered Weaver reacts after throwing out a ceremonial pitch before the Angels’ home opener against the Boston Red Sox on Friday night at Angel Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

• 

  Former Angels pitcher Jered Weaver hugs his son Aden after throwing a ceremonial first pitch before the Angels’ home opener against the Boston Red Sox on Friday night at Angel Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

• 

  Fans look on before the Angels’ home opener against the Boston Red Sox on Friday night at Angel Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

• 

  Angels starting pitcher Griffin Canning throws to the plate during their home opener against the Boston Red Sox on Friday night at Angel Stadium. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

• 

  Angels star Mike Trout fouls out to Boston Red Sox catcher Reese McGuire (not pictured) during the first inning of the Angels’ home opener on Friday night at Angel Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

• 

  Boston Red Sox catcher Reese McGuire catches a foul pop-up hit by Angels star Mike Trout (not pictured) during the first inning on Friday night at Angel Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

• 

  Angels sarting pitcher Griffin Canning holds a ball after giving up a two-run home run to the Boston Red Sox’s Reese McGuire (not pictured) during the second inning of the Angels’ home opener on Friday night at Angel Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

• 

  The Boston Red Sox’s Reese McGuire, left, slaps hands with third base coach Kyle Hudson as he runs the bases after hitting a two-run home run during the second inning of their game against the Angels on Friday night at Angel Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

• 

  The Boston Red Sox’s Reese McGuire, right, celebrates with teammates after hitting a two-run home run during the second inning of their game against the Angels on Friday night at Angel Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

• 

  Angels starting pitcher Griffin Canning throws to the plate during the first inning of the Angels’ home opener against the Boston Red Sox on Friday night at Angel Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

• 

  The Boston Red Sox’s Tyler O’Neill celebrates in the dugout after hitting a solo home run during the second inning of their game against the Angels on Friday night at Angel Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

• 

  Angels center fielder Mike Trout watches as a ball hit for a solo home run by the Boston Red Sox’s Triston Casas soars over the fence during the second inning of the Angels’ home opener on Friday night at Angel Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

• 

  Boston Red Sox shortstop Trevor Story throws to first base to force out the Angels’ Logan O’Hoppe (not pictured) during the first inning on Friday night at Angel Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

• 

  Angels star Mike Trout hits a single during the fourth inning of the Angels’ home opener against the Boston Red Sox on Friday night at Angel Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

• 

  Angels star Mike Trout runs to first base after hitting a single during the fourth inning of their home opener against the Boston Red Sox on Friday night at Angel Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

• 

  Boston Red Sox shortstop Trevor Story is injured after trying to catch a ball hit by the Angels’ Mike Trout during the fourth inning on Friday night at Angel Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

• 

  Boston Red Sox shortstop Trevor Story is treated by a trainer, left, as Manager Alex Cora, right, looks on after Story was injured while trying to catch a ball hit by the Angels’ Mike Trout during the fourth inning on Friday night at Angel Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

• 

  Boston Red Sox shortstop Trevor Story, center, walks off the field with Manager Alex Cora, left, and a trainer after being injured while diving to try and catch a ball hit by the Angels’ Mike Trout during the fourth inning on Friday night at Angel Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

• 

  Angels shortstop Zach Neto catches a fly ball hit by the Boston Red Sox’s Rafael Devers during the fifth inning of the home opener on Friday night at Angel Stadium. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

• 

  Angels starting pitcher Griffin Canning blows a bubble with his gum in the dugout after being replaced during the fifth inning of their home opener against the Boston Red Sox on Friday night at Angel Stadium. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

• 

  The Boston Red Sox’s Ceddanne Rafaela slides safely into second base as Angels shortstop Zach Neto takes a late throw during the fifth inning of the Angels’ home opener on Friday night at Angel Stadium. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)

• 

  Angels star Mike Trout grimaces after hitting a fly ball for an out with the bases loaded to end the fifth inning of their home opener against the Boston Red Sox on Friday night at Angel Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

• 

  Angels star Mike Trout watches after hitting a fly ball for an out with the bases loaded to end the fifth inning of their home opener against the Boston Red Sox on Friday night at Angel Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

• 

  The Angels’ Logan O’Hoppe hits a game-tying grand slam during the sixth inning of their home opener against the Boston Red Sox on Friday night at Angel Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

• 

  The Angels’ Logan O’Hoppe hits a game-tying grand slam during the sixth inning of their home opener against the Boston Red Sox on Friday night at Angel Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

• 

  The Angels’ Logan O’Hoppe hits a game-tying grand slam during the sixth inning of their home opener against the Boston Red Sox on Friday night at Angel Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

• 

  Boston Red Sox center fielder Ceddanne Rafaela leaps but can’t reach a ball hit for a game-tying grand slam by the Angels’ Logan O’Hoppe during the sixth inning of the Angels’ home opener on Friday night at Angel Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

• 

  The Angels’ Logan O’Hoppe pumps his fist as he runs the bases after hitting a game-tying grand slam during the sixth inning of their home opener against the Boston Red Sox on Friday night at Angel Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

• 

  Angels players react in the dugout after teammate Logan O’Hoppe, not pictured, hit a game-tying grand slam during the sixth inning of their home opener against the Boston Red Sox on Friday night at Angel Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

• 

  The Angels’ Logan O’Hoppe pumps his fist as he rounds first base after hitting a game-tying grand slam in the sixth inning of their home opener against the Boston Red Sox on Friday night at Angel Stadium. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

• 

  The Angels’ Logan O’Hoppe pumps his fist as he runs the bases after hitting a game-tying grand slam during the sixth inning of their home opener against the Boston Red Sox on Friday night at Angel Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

• 

  The Angels’ Logan O’Hoppe (14) is greeted at home plate by Miguel Sanó (22) and Taylor Ward (3) after hitting a game-tying grand slam in the sixth inning of their home opener against the Boston Red Sox on Friday night at Angel Stadium. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

• 

  The Angels’ Logan O’Hoppe, right, high-fives teammate Taylor Ward after hitting a game-tying grand slam during the sixth inning of their home opener against the Boston Red Sox on Friday night at Angel Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

• 

  The Angels’ Logan O’Hoppe, left, is embraced at home plate by teammate Miguel Sanó after hitting a game-tying grand slam in the sixth inning of their home opener against the Boston Red Sox on Friday night at Angel Stadium. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

• 

  The Angels’ Logan O’Hoppe, left, celebrates with teammate Mike Trout as he returns to the dugout after hitting a game-tying grand slam during the sixth inning of their home opener against the Boston Red Sox on Friday night at Angel Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

• 

  Boston Red Sox right fielder Tyler O’Neill dives but comes up short trying to catch a ball hit for a single by the Angels’ Taylor Ward during the seventh inning on Friday night at Angel Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

• 

  Boston Red Sox right fielder Tyler O’Neill comes up short trying to catch a ball hit for a single by the Angels’ Taylor Ward during the seventh inning on Friday night at Angel Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

• 

  Boston Red Sox right fielder Tyler O’Neill comes up short trying to catch a ball hit for a single by the Angels’ Taylor Ward during the seventh inning on Friday night at Angel Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

• 

  The Angels’ Taylor Ward scores past Boston Red Sox catcher Reese McGuire on an RBI single by Miguel Sanó (not pictured) to tie the game at 6-6 during the seventh inning of the Angels’ home opener on Friday night at Angel Stadium. The Angels lost, 8-6. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

• 

  The Angels’ Taylor Ward slides home to tie the game during the seventh inning of their home opener against the Boston Red Sox on Friday night at Angel Stadium. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

• 

  The Angels’ Taylor Ward celebrates in the dugout after scoring the tying run in the seventh inning of their home opener against the Boston Red Sox on Friday night at Angel Stadium. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

• 

  Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Kenley Jansen throws to the plate during the ninth inning of their game against the Angels on Friday night at Angel Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

• 

  Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Kenley Jansen throws to the plate during the ninth inning of their game against the Angels on Friday night at Angel Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

• 

  Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Kenley Jansen, right, hugs catcher Reese McGuire after the final out of the ninth inning of their 8-6 victory over the Angels in the Angels’ home opener on Friday night at Angel Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

• 

  Angels outfielder Mike Trout, right, talks with former players Jered Weaver, left, and Torii Hunter during warmups before the Angels’ home opener against the Boston Red Sox on Friday night at Angel Stadium. (AP Photo/Alex Gallardo)

• 

  Angels manager Ron Washington, left, talks with sports agent Scott Boras, right, during warmups before the Angels’ home opener against the Boston Red Sox on Friday night at Angel Stadium. (AP Photo/Alex Gallardo)

• 

  The United States Army Color Guard begins to leave the field following the National Anthem for the Angels’ home opener against the Boston Red Sox on Friday night at Angel Stadium. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

• 

  A pair of F-15C Eagles from the 144th Fighter Wing of the California Air National Guard fly over Angel Stadium during the National Anthem for the Angels’ home opener against the Boston Red Sox on Friday night. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

• 

  Photographers take photos of former Angels pitcher Jered Weaver throwing out a ceremonial first pitch before the Angels’ home opener against the Boston Red Sox on Friday night at Angel Stadium. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

• 

  Fans arrive for the Angels’ home opener against the Boston Red Sox on Friday night at Angel Stadium. (AP Photo/Alex Gallardo)

• 

  Fans arrive for the Angels’ home opener against the Boston Red Sox on Friday night at Angel Stadium. (AP Photo/Alex Gallardo)

• 

  Fan Sam Sepanji throws a ball in front of Angel Stadium before the Angels’ home opener against the Boston Red Sox on Friday night. (AP Photo/Alex Gallardo)

• 

  Fans call out to former Angels to sign autographs before the Angels’ home opener against the Boston Red Sox on Friday night at Angel Stadium. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)

• 

  An Angels fan tries to stay warm before the team’s home opener against the Boston Red Sox on Friday night at Angel Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

• 

  Former player Mickey Hatcher signs an autograph for a fan before the Angels’ home opener against the Boston Red Sox on Friday night at Angel Stadium. (AP Photo/Alex Gallardo)

• 

  Fans arrive for the Angels’ home opener against the Boston Red Sox on Friday night at Angel Stadium. (AP Photo/Alex Gallardo)

• 

  Fans arrive for the Angels’ home opener against the Boston Red Sox on Friday night at Angel Stadium. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)

• 

  Fans receive an Angels calendar upon entering the stadium for the home opener against the Boston Red Sox on Friday night at Angel Stadium. (AP Photo/Alex Gallardo)

• 

  Fans arrive for the Angels’ home opener against the Boston Red Sox on Friday night at Angel Stadium. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)

• 

  A baseball sits in right field before the Angels’ home opener against the Boston Red Sox on Friday night at Angel Stadium. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)

• 

  A bat belonging to Angels first baseman Nolan Schanuel is seen in the dugout before the Angels’ home opener against the Boston Red Sox on Friday night at Angel Stadium. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)

ANAHEIM — The Angels provided an Angel Stadium sellout crowd of 44,714 with plenty of entertainment, but not a victory.

After trailing by four runs in the second inning, the Angels rallied to tie the score in the sixth and seventh innings before losing, 8-6, to the Boston Red Sox in their home opener on Friday night.

Logan O’Hoppe’s sixth-inning grand slam pulled the Angels even, and they had a few chances to take the lead after that, but they couldn’t do it.

“We know who we are,” O’Hoppe said. “It’s going to take for everyone else to see. … We know we’re capable of doing that tonight. We’re capable of finishing the job when we get in situations like that going forward.”

Their failure to finish the job this time was largely because of the ineffectiveness of José Soriano, the Angels’ flame-throwing multi-inning reliever who had been dominant in his season debut last weekend. He gave up single runs in the seventh, eighth and ninth.

Jarren Duran, a product of Cypress High and Long Beach State, gave the Red Sox the final lead of the night with an eighth-inning homer off a 99.4-mph fastball from Soriano.

Soriano gave up another homer in the ninth, the second of the game from Tyler O’Neill, and the Angels (4-3) saw their four-game winning streak come to an end.

“They showed what they’re made of,” Manager Ron Washington said of his team’s comeback. “The game wasn’t over till the ninth inning, and I guarantee a lot of people thought it was over after they scored four runs. I’m proud of how those guys continued to have good at-bats. We just came up short.”

The Angels fell behind 4-0 in the second inning when Griffin Canning gave up three homers, and the hosts didn’t even get their first hit until the fourth.

In the fifth the Angels pushed home a run, but Mike Trout hit a flyout to leave the bases loaded. The Red Sox then got that run back in the top of the sixth, taking a 5-1 lead.

The Angels then capitalized on a sloppy inning from the Red Sox. Taylor Ward hit a fly ball to center fielder Ceddanne Rafaela, who had the ball in his glove and simply dropped it. Brandon Drury then hit a grounder to third baseman Rafael Devers, whose throw to second was dropped by Enmanuel Valdez. Miguel Sanó was then hit by a pitch loading the bases.

An out later, O’Hoppe blasted a ball over the center field fence, tying the score with his first career grand slam.

The momentum was firmly on the Angels’ side at that point, but the Red Sox kept shoving them back down every time they hopped up. Each time the Angels scored, the Red Sox scored in the following inning.

“We couldn’t put a shutdown inning from the sixth inning on,” Washington said. “If we could have shut down two of those innings, it might have been a different game.”

By the time it was over, Canning’s outing seemed a distant memory.

Canning made it through 4⅔ and he allowed four runs, all of them coming on the three homers he allowed in the second inning.

Canning hung a slider to O’Neill on a 1-and-0 pitch, and O’Neill hit it into the seats in right center.

Canning’s next pitch was a first-pitch fastball over the outside corner to Triston Casas, who also went the other way to hit a homer to left field.

After an out and a hit batter, Canning threw another first pitch fastball to Reese McGuire, who pulled out to left field.

“Too many fastballs center cut,” Washington said. “Against some good hitters that like first-pitch fastballs and we gave them first-pitch fastballs.”

The velocity on the two fastballs that the Red Sox hit out were 92.8 and 91.6 mph. Two starts into the season, Canning’s average fastball has been 92.7 mph, which is down from last season’s average of 94.7 mph.

“I would like to throw harder,” Canning said. “But it’s early. I’m trying to find the feels that I want to have. Just stick with the process and go from there.”

Logan O'Hoppe's first career grand slam is of the game-tying variety!

(MLB x @DairyQueen) pic.twitter.com/JVZ9OSUnxr

— MLB (@MLB) April 6, 2024