Albert Pujols slugs his way past Sammy Sosa with home run in Angels’ 10-1 win

Posted on August 23, 2017 by

The Los Angeles Angels Kole Calhoun hits a double off the wall for two RBI’s against the Texas Rangers during the fourth inning at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA on Tuesday, August 22, 2017. (Photo by Kevin Sullivan, Orange County Register/SCNG)
The Los Angeles Angels Kaleb Cowart is congratulated in the dugout after his three-run home run against the Texas Rangers during the fifth inning at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA on Tuesday, August 22, 2017. (Photo by Kevin Sullivan, Orange County Register/SCNG)
The Los Angeles Angels Kaleb Cowart is congratulated after his three-run home run against the Texas Rangers during the fifth inning at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA on Tuesday, August 22, 2017. (Photo by Kevin Sullivan, Orange County Register/SCNG)
The Los Angeles Angels Martin Maldonado and C.J. Cron greet Kaleb Cowart at home after his three-run home run against the Texas Rangers during the fifth inning at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA on Tuesday, August 22, 2017. (Photo by Kevin Sullivan, Orange County Register/SCNG)
The Los Angeles Angels Kaleb Cowart rounds the bases after his three-run home run against the Texas Rangers during the fifth inning at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA on Tuesday, August 22, 2017. (Photo by Kevin Sullivan, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Fans watch as a home run by the Los Angeles Angels Kaleb Cowart leaves the park during the fifth inning against the Texas Rangers at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA on Tuesday, August 22, 2017. (Photo by Kevin Sullivan, Orange County Register/SCNG)
The Los Angeles Angels C.J. Cron dives back to third base against the Texas Rangers during the fifth inning at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA on Tuesday, August 22, 2017. (Photo by Kevin Sullivan, Orange County Register/SCNG)
The Los Angeles Angels Keynan Middleton throws to the plate against the Texas Rangers during the fifth inning at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA on Tuesday, August 22, 2017. (Photo by Kevin Sullivan, Orange County Register/SCNG)
The Los Angeles Angels’ Ricky Nolasco is taken out of the game by manager Mike Scioscia during the fifth inning against the Texas Rangers at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA on Tuesday, August 22, 2017. (Photo by Kevin Sullivan, Orange County Register/SCNG)
The Los Angeles Angels Kole Calhoun celebrates his two-RBI double off the wall against the Texas Rangers during the fourth inning at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA on Tuesday, August 22, 2017. (Photo by Kevin Sullivan, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Fans watch as a double by the Los Angeles Angels Kole Calhoun bounces off the wall for two RBI’s against the Texas Rangers during the fourth inning at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA on Tuesday, August 22, 2017. (Photo by Kevin Sullivan, Orange County Register/SCNG)
The Texas Rangers’ Robinson Chirinos snags a pop up by the Los Angeles Angels Albert Pujols during the fourth inning at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA on Tuesday, August 22, 2017. (Photo by Kevin Sullivan, Orange County Register/SCNG)
The Los Angeles Angels Albert Pujols pops out as the Texas Rangers’ Robinson Chirinos looks for the ball during the fourth inning at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA on Tuesday, August 22, 2017. (Photo by Kevin Sullivan, Orange County Register/SCNG)
The Los Angeles Angels Bene Revere rolls over after fouling a ball off of his leg against the Texas Rangers during the fourth inning at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA on Tuesday, August 22, 2017. (Photo by Kevin Sullivan, Orange County Register/SCNG)
The Texas Rangers’ Rougned Odor can’t reach this single by the Los Angeles Angels’ Kaleb Cowart during the fourth inning at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA on Tuesday, August 22, 2017. (Photo by Kevin Sullivan, Orange County Register/SCNG)
The Los Angeles Angels Mike Trout and Kaleb Cowart share a laugh between innings at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA on Tuesday, August 22, 2017. (Photo by Kevin Sullivan, Orange County Register/SCNG)
The Los Angeles Angels Parker Bridwell sits in the dugout against the Texas Rangers at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA on Tuesday, August 22, 2017. (Photo by Kevin Sullivan, Orange County Register/SCNG)
The Los Angeles Angels Luis Valbuena heads for second behind the Texas Rangers’ Elvis Andrus at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA on Tuesday, August 22, 2017. (Photo by Kevin Sullivan, Orange County Register/SCNG)
The Los Angeles Angels Albert Pujols runs to third against the Texas Rangers during the first inning at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA on Tuesday, August 22, 2017. (Photo by Kevin Sullivan, Orange County Register/SCNG)
The Los Angeles Angels Albert Pujols jumps back to second as the Texas Rangers’ Adrian Beltre leaps for the throw during the first inning at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA on Tuesday, August 22, 2017. (Photo by Kevin Sullivan, Orange County Register/SCNG)
The Los Angeles Angels Mike Trout celebrates in the dugout with teammates after scoring on an Albert Pujols double during the first inning at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA on Tuesday, August 22, 2017. (Photo by Kevin Sullivan, Orange County Register/SCNG)
The Los Angeles Angels Mike Trout scores past Texas Rangers catcher Robinson Chirinos on an Albert Pujols RBI double during the first inning at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA on Tuesday, August 22, 2017. (Photo by Kevin Sullivan, Orange County Register/SCNG)
The Los Angeles Angels Albert Pujols hits a RBI double against the Texas Rangers during the first inning at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA on Tuesday, August 22, 2017. (Photo by Kevin Sullivan, Orange County Register/SCNG)
The Los Angeles Angels Mike Trout points to the dugout after a first inning single against the Texas Rangers at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA on Tuesday, August 22, 2017. (Photo by Kevin Sullivan, Orange County Register/SCNG)
The Texas Rangers’ Tyson Ross throws to the plate against the Los Angeles Angels during the first inning at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA on Tuesday, August 22, 2017. (Photo by Kevin Sullivan, Orange County Register/SCNG)
The Los Angeles Angels Ricky Nolasco walks to the dugout after the first inning against the Texas Rangers at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA on Tuesday, August 22, 2017. (Photo by Kevin Sullivan, Orange County Register/SCNG)
The Los Angeles Angels Ricky Nolasco reacts after walking the Texas Rangers’ Adrian Beltre during the first inning at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA on Tuesday, August 22, 2017. (Photo by Kevin Sullivan, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Fans react to a foul ball in the upper deck during the Los Angeles Angels game against the Texas Rangers at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA on Tuesday, August 22, 2017. (Photo by Kevin Sullivan, Orange County Register/SCNG)
The Los Angeles Angels Andrelton Simmons waits between pitches during their game against the Texas Rangers at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA on Tuesday, August 22, 2017. (Photo by Kevin Sullivan, Orange County Register/SCNG)
The Los Angeles Angels Ricky Nolasco throws to the plate against the Texas Rangers during the first inning at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA on Tuesday, August 22, 2017. (Photo by Kevin Sullivan, Orange County Register/SCNG)
The Los Angeles Angels’ Ricky Nolasco is taken out of the game by manager Mike Scioscia during the fifth inning against the Texas Rangers at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA on Tuesday, August 22, 2017. (Photo by Kevin Sullivan, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Fans look for Kaleb Cowart’s autograph before the Los Angeles Angels game against the Texas Rangers at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA on Tuesday, August 22, 2017. (Photo by Kevin Sullivan, Orange County Register/SCNG)
A fan carries four Mike Trout bobbleheads away from the stadium before the Los Angeles Angels game against the Texas Rangers at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA on Tuesday, August 22, 2017. (Photo by Kevin Sullivan, Orange County Register/SCNG)
A Mike Trout bobblehead sits on the rail before the Los Angeles Angels game against the Texas Rangers at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA on Tuesday, August 22, 2017. (Photo by Kevin Sullivan, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Los Angeles Angels’ Kole Calhoun watches his two-run double against the Texas Rangers during the fourth inning of a baseball game in Anaheim, Calif., Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2017. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)
Los Angeles Angels’ Kaleb Cowart watches his three-run home run against the Texas Rangers during the fifth inning of a baseball game in Anaheim, Calif., Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2017. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)
Los Angeles Angels’ Kaleb Cowart, right, celebrates his three-run home run with Martin Maldonado during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Texas Rangers in Anaheim, Calif., Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2017. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)
The Los Angeles Angels Albert Pujols celebrates in the dugout after his three-run home run against the Texas Rangers during the seventh inning at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA on Tuesday, August 22, 2017. (Photo by Kevin Sullivan, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Los Angeles Angels Manager Mike Scioscia talks with home plate umpire Gary Cederstrom during the sixth inning of their game the Texas Rangers at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA on Tuesday, August 22, 2017. (Photo by Kevin Sullivan, Orange County Register/SCNG)
The Texas Rangers Nick Gardewine makes his MLB debut in the seventh inning at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA on Tuesday, August 22, 2017. (Photo by Kevin Sullivan, Orange County Register/SCNG)
The Los Angeles Angels Parker Bridwell watches from the dugout against the Texas Rangers at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA on Tuesday, August 22, 2017. (Photo by Kevin Sullivan, Orange County Register/SCNG)
The Los Angeles Angels Albert Pujols rounds the bases past Texas Rangers first baseman Mike Napoli after his three-run home run during the seventh inning at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA on Tuesday, August 22, 2017. (Photo by Kevin Sullivan, Orange County Register/SCNG)
The Texas Rangers Nick Gardewine makes his MLB debut, giving up three unearned runs in the seventh inning, at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA on Tuesday, August 22, 2017. (Photo by Kevin Sullivan, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Los Angeles Angels’ Albert Pujols (5) celebrates his three-run home run against the Texas Rangers during the seventh inning of a baseball game in Anaheim, Calif., Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2017. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

ANAHEIM — On Sept. 26, 2007, Sammy Sosa hit his 609th career home run against the Angels on a hot and cloudy day in Arlington, Texas. Sosa played his final major league game three days later and retired with more home runs than any foreign-born player in history.

That record was surpassed at 10:28 p.m. Tuesday, in the eighth inning of an interminable game between – coincidentally – the Angels and Texas Rangers.

Albert Pujols’ 610th career home run moved him past Sosa into eighth place on MLB’s all-time list, surpassing his countryman. Pujols was born in the Dominican capital of Santo Domingo; Sosa was born an hour east in the coastal city of San Pedro de Macoris. Pujols came to the United States as a teenager while Sosa was establishing himself as one of history’s great sluggers.

With No. 610, @PujolsFive is now 8th all-time in homers and has the most ever among foreign-born players. pic.twitter.com/K4Ih6sq8cm

— MLB (@MLB) August 23, 2017

Now 37, Pujols is still climbing a home-run list that holds only seven Americans in sight. Jim Thome is the next man on that list with 612.

Sosa hit his 609th home run in a 16-2 Texas win. Pujols’ homer, a three-run moonshot to left-center field, was the final dagger in a 10-1 Angels victory. The Rangers’ first baseman Tuesday, Mike Napoli, was the Angels’ catcher on that cloudy day in Arlington 10 years ago.

Unfortunately for the announced crowd of 37,033 at Angel Stadium, the game’s sloth-like pace led many to the exits before Pujols faced Rangers pitcher Nick Gardewine, a 24-year-old right-hander making his major league debut. The first inning featured 59 pitches and lasted 33 minutes by itself.

The Angels and Rangers needed two hours to complete four innings. The game’s 200th pitch was thrown in the fifth. Twenty-three minutes later, the fifth inning still wasn’t over, but at least the Angels had supplied some fireworks.

Kaleb Cowart hit a three-run home run against Rangers pitcher Austin Bibens-Dirkx to turn a 3-1 lead into a 6-1 landslide. The Angels didn’t let up, setting a season high with 16 hits before it was over.

Kole Calhoun went 3 for 4 with a pair of doubles. Pujols, Cowart, Mike Trout and Martin Maldonado had two hits apiece.

Angels starter Ricky Nolasco didn’t factor into the decision. He left with a 3-1 lead after throwing 101 pitches in 4⅔ innings. The first pitcher out of the bullpen, Keynan Middleton (5-1) threw 1⅓ innings of scoreless relief.

The Angels never trailed. Trout singled in the first inning and scored on a double by Pujols that hit high off the right field wall, 10 feet shy of a homer. A two-run double by Calhoun increased the Angels’ lead to 3-0 in the fourth inning.

The only run against Nolasco’s ledger came on a sacrifice fly by Elvis Andrus that scored Delino DeShields in the fifth inning. Even that run was far from assured; Trout took an extra step or two before releasing the ball. Had he not hesitated, DeShields might have been out.

With the Rangers on the board in the fifth inning, C.J. Cron doubled and Martin singled before Cowart knocked out Bibens-Dirkx with his home run.

Calhoun also doubled in the sixth inning and scored on a Luis Valbuena single.

Rangers starter Tyson Ross (3-3) headed for the showers even earlier than Nolasco. The right-hander allowed seven runs and walked four batters in 3⅔ innings. He was charged with three runs, all earned.

The game lasted 3 hours and 58 minutes, but it allowed the Angels (65-51) to keep pace with the Minnesota Twins (65-60) in the American League wild-card race. Eight teams are separated by six games in the battle for the AL’s final playoff berth.

More to come on this story.

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Angels battle back for victory as Matt Shoemaker returns to Seattle

Posted on May 3, 2017 by John Chapman

Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Matt Shoemaker throws to a Seattle Mariners batter during the first inning of a baseball game Tuesday, May 2, 2017, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson) ORG XMIT: WAET101
Former Seattle Mariners pitcher Mark Langston throws out the ceremonial first pitch before a baseball game between the Mariner and the Angels on Tuesday, May 2, 2017, in Seattle. Langston is now an Angels broadcaster. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Seattle Mariners starting pitcher James Paxton throws against the Los Angeles Angels during the second inning of a baseball game Tuesday, May 2, 2017, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson) ORG XMIT: WAET102
Los Angeles Angels left fielder Cameron Maybin slides into foul territory to snag a popup from Seattle Mariners’ Jarrod Dyson during the third inning of a baseball game Tuesday, May 2, 2017, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson) ORG XMIT: WAET103
Seattle Mariners starting pitcher James Paxton throws against the Los Angeles Angels in the third inning of a baseball game Tuesday, May 2, 2017, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson) ORG XMIT: OTK
Los Angeles Angels shortstop Andrelton Simmons comes down after leaping for, but missing, a throw as Seattle Mariners’ Jean Segura slides safely into second for a stolen base during the third inning of a baseball game Tuesday, May 2, 2017, in Seattle. The ball continued into the outfield and Segura advanced to third. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson) ORG XMIT: WAET104
Seattle Mariners’ Robinson Cano, right, starts toward first on an RBI single as Los Angeles Angels catcher Martin Maldonado watches during the third inning of a baseball game Tuesday, May 2, 2017, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson) ORG XMIT: WAET105
Seattle Mariners’ Nelson Cruz drives in a run on a single against the Los Angeles Angels in the third inning of a baseball game Tuesday, May 2, 2017, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson) ORG XMIT: OTK
Seattle Mariners’ Jean Segura is congratulated after scoring against the Los Angeles Angels during the third inning of a baseball game Tuesday, May 2, 2017, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson) ORG XMIT: WAET106
SEATTLE, WA – MAY 2: Starter Matt Shoemaker #52 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim delivers a pitch during the first inning of a game against the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field on May 2, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images)
Los Angeles Angels’ Albert Pujols, right, leads off of second base as Seattle Mariners starting pitcher James Paxton follow-through on his pitch in a baseball game Tuesday, May 2, 2017, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson) ORG XMIT: OTK
Los Angeles Angels’ Mike Trout, right, slides safely into home ahead of the throw to Seattle Mariners catcher Mike Zunino to score during the fifth inning of a baseball game Tuesday, May 2, 2017, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson) ORG XMIT: WAET107
Los Angeles Angels’ Mike Trout smiles as he heads to the field during a baseball game against the Seattle Mariners Tuesday, May 2, 2017, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson) ORG XMIT: OTK
Los Angeles Angels third baseman Yunel Escobar, left, and starting pitcher Matt Shoemaker wait as Seattle Mariners’ Danny Valencia rounds the bases on a solo home run during the sixth inning of a baseball game Tuesday, May 2, 2017, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson) ORG XMIT: WAET111
Seattle Mariners’ Danny Valencia, center, celebrates his solo home run against the Los Angeles Angels with Jean Segura, left, and Robinson Cano during the sixth inning of a baseball game Tuesday, May 2, 2017, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson) ORG XMIT: WAET109
Los Angeles Angels left fielder Cameron Maybin in action against the Seattle Mariners in a baseball game Tuesday, May 2, 2017, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson) ORG XMIT: OTK
Seattle Mariners’ Mike Zunino, left, walks back to the dugout after striking out as Los Angeles Angels catcher Martin Maldonado tosses the ball back to the mound in the third inning of a baseball game Tuesday, May 2, 2017, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson) ORG XMIT: OTK
Los Angeles Angels’ Mike Trout (27) is congratulated on scoring by Andrelton Simmons against the Seattle Mariners in a baseball game Tuesday, May 2, 2017, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson) ORG XMIT: OTK
Seattle Mariners’ Jean Segura, right, slides into a tag by Los Angeles Angels third baseman Yunel Escobar for an out during the seventh inning of a baseball game Tuesday, May 2, 2017, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson) ORG XMIT: WAET112
Los Angeles Angels second baseman Danny Espinosa, left, drops the ball as he tries to tag Seattle Mariners’ Guillermo Heredia on a stolen base during the sixth inning of a baseball game Tuesday, May 2, 2017, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson) ORG XMIT: WAET110
SEATTLE, WA – MAY 2: Kole Calhoun #56 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim hits a two-run home run off of relief pitcher Edwin Diaz of the Seattle Mariners that scored Cameron Maybin during the eighth inning of a game at Safeco Field on May 2, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images)
Los Angeles Angels’ Kole Calhoun (56) is met at home by Cameron Maybin on Calhoun’s two-run home run against the Seattle Mariners during the eighth inning of a baseball game Tuesday, May 2, 2017, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson) ORG XMIT: WAET113
Los Angeles Angels left fielder Cameron Maybin leaps to catch a deep fly ball from Seattle Mariners’ Guillermo Heredia during the eighth inning of a baseball game Tuesday, May 2, 2017, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson) ORG XMIT: WAET114
Seattle Mariners’ Robinson Cano singles in a run as Los Angeles Angels catcher Juan Graterol looks on in the ninth inning of a baseball game Tuesday, May 2, 2017, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson) ORG XMIT: WAET115
Seattle Mariners right fielder Ben Gamel misses on a dive, allowing a double and a run driven-in by Los Angeles Angels’ Albert Pujols in the 11th inning of a baseball game Tuesday, May 2, 2017, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson) ORG XMIT: WAET117
The Angels’ Mike Trout slides safely toward home as Mariners catcher Carlos Ruiz waits for the ball in the 11th inning of Tuesday’s game in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Los Angeles Angels’ Mike Trout claps his hands together after scoring against the Seattle Mariners in the 11th inning of a baseball game Tuesday, May 2, 2017, in Seattle. The Angels wo 6-4. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson) ORG XMIT: OTK
Los Angeles Angels’ Albert Pujols (5) slides safely into third base on a stolen base as Seattle Mariners third baseman Kyle Seager puts on a late tag in the 11th inning of a baseball game Tuesday, May 2, 2017, in Seattle. Umpire Tom Woodring looks on. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson) ORG XMIT: WAET118
Los Angeles Angels closing pitcher Deolis Guerra (54) shares congratulations with catcher Juan Graterol after the team beat the Seattle Mariners in a baseball game Tuesday, May 2, 2017, in Seattle. The Angels won 6-4 in 11 innings. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson) ORG XMIT: WAET119

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SEATTLE — The key to handling missed opportunities, as Kole Calhoun says, is to focus on the “opportunities,” not the “missed.”

The Angels did just that on Tuesday night, beating the Seattle Mariners, 6-4, in an 11-inning game that was all about continuing to pressure until they finally connected.

“It’s not that frustrating,” Calhoun said. “If you have opportunities, you feel like you’re really close to breaking through.”

The Angels had just one hit in their first 12 at-bats with runners in scoring position before Calhoun’s two-run homer in the eighth gave the Angels their first lead of the day.

Although the Mariners tied the score with two outs in the bottom of the ninth, the resilient Angels came back and won it in the 11th, with Albert Pujols driving in Mike Trout from first with a double. Pujols then stole third — which he’s apt to do when teams ignore him — and ended up scoring an insurance run on a groundout.

Deolis Guerra pitched the final two innings to close out the 4-hour, 40-minute marathon, capping a rollercoaster night that ended with the Angels’ seventh win in their last eight games.

They have come from behind in 11 of their 15 victories, which is a nice trait to have, although one they’d prefer not to need so often.

“Just a hard-fought game,” Cameron Maybin said. “Anytime you outlast a team, continue to fight through a long game like that … timely hitting up and down the lineup… our pitching has been pretty good … that’s all you can ask for.”

Maybin also contributed the defensive play of the night, a home-run robbing catch in the eighth that preserved the one-run lead temporarily.

“The good Lord blessed me with a lot of athleticism and some long limbs, and I was able to make a play,” Maybin said.

Maybin added his name to the list of heroes, along with Calhoun and Pujols and Trout and the conga line of pitchers who worked before and after Bud Norris’ ninth-inning hiccup.

Norris suffered his first blown save since taking over for injured Cam Bedrosian, as he allowed a two-out RBI single to Robinson Cano, who beat the Angels’ shift for the second time.

The Angels did enough well to pick up Matt Shoemaker after a performance that didn’t sit well with him.

“I’m not too happy with it, to be honest,” Shoemaker said.

He was frustrated that he walked four and hit a batter and gave up a homer to Danny Valencia, which put the Mariners ahead 3-2 in the sixth. Not long after that, Shoemaker walked off the mound, frustrated and upset with himself.

Which was still a far better way to feel than the last time he walked off the mound at Safeco Field.

When he pitched here in September, a 105 mph line drive off the bat of Kyle Seager had struck him in the head, leaving him clutching a bloody towel to his head as he walked off the field. The frightening incident sparked a series of events that included Shoemaker having emergency brain surgery that night in a Seattle hospital.

Returning to Seattle might have been something of a hurdle for Shoemaker, but he insisted that he’s barely thinking about the incident any more. Outside of a few Safeco Field workers telling him they were happy to see him back, it was just another ballgame.

As it turned out, just another wild come-from-behind victory.

“I’m glad we did a lot of battling,” he said, “to keep in the game as long as we could.”

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