Angels Score: Bullpen Struggles in LA's Homecoming Loss, Trout's HR Lone Bright Spot

Many opportunities came for the Los Angeles Angels to get ahead in Friday night's match against the Toronto Blue Jays but they ultimately fell 4-3. It was the first of a three game series so they have more chances to redeem themselves but in their first home game of the year, a win would have been preferred.

The energy was amazing to start off as Mike Trout hit a 441 ft home run that allowed Taylor Ward to score along with him.

He was greeted at home plate with a new headwear accessory!

MIKE TROUT ABSOLUTE TANK ON OPENING NIGHT HOW BOUT THESE ANGELS!!

pic.twitter.com/VnUetzZPpu
— Ben Verlander (@BenVerlander) April 8, 2023

The new samurai home run helmet looks good on you, @MikeTrout! pic.twitter.com/qoqwSwPtyO
— MLB (@MLB) April 8, 2023

Santiago Espinal got things rolling for the Blue Jays with a grounder in the fourth inning that Vladimir Guerrero Jr. capitalized off of with their first run.

But later that same inning, the Angels were able to extend their lead to 3-1 following a sacrifice hit from David Fletcher that brought Gio Urshela home.

Santiago Espinal (@santdr13) drives in his first RBI of the season!

Fielders choice here, but runs out the play to avoid the double play.#BlueJays #NextLevel pic.twitter.com/qzGV8r9qRo
— Ryley Delaney🏳️‍⚧️ (@Ryley_L_D) April 8, 2023

Fletcher Time! 🤩✅
Legendary David Fletcher hits a sacrifice bunt & Gio Urshela scores. 🪄🧙‍♂️
Blue Jays 1 - Angels 3 Bottom 4th#TORvsLAA #LetsGoAngels #GoHalos pic.twitter.com/NWuizx3VDt
— Anaheim Sports (@AnaheimSports1) April 8, 2023

Bo Bichette just completely decided to suck all of the energy out of the stadium in the seventh inning. He connected on a 415 ft three-run home run that gave the Blue Jays their first lead of the game and would allow them to win it.

Bichette with a go-ahead 3-run shot!!! 👀

(🎥: @BlueJays)pic.twitter.com/lahuGmMn4D
— theScore (@theScore) April 8, 2023

Everybody looked to the bullpen immediately following this loss and also team manager Phil Nevin's decision making. It has been two games now where he has not allowed Matt Moore to finish his inning and it has resulted in a loss.

Patrick Sandoval left them in great position to win the game as he lasted about six innings, threw 89 pitches, and only allowed one run.

However, Nevin opted to have Jimmy Herget relieve Moore prior to the conclusion of the seventh inning and that ultimately resulted in the game-deciding home run.

Angels fans shared their reactions on Twitter.

Find out why Nevin keeps bringing Herget in with 2 outs instead of letting Moore finish his inning!
— Nightdrive (@Nightdrive82) April 8, 2023

Can we get a real manager. Please. Nevin is terrible.
— Mr.Mojo (@MrMojo2022) April 8, 2023

When is he going to let moore finish the inning?! This strategy is 0-2
— Ninthfalcon (@ninthfalcon) April 8, 2023