Los Angeles Angels’ manager Phil Nevin had to be restrained in the dugout after his team lost a frustrating game to the Toronto Blue Jays on Friday night.
Nevin was furious over a called third strike on Michael Stefanic (pinch-hitting for Shohei Ohtani) in the top of the ninth inning. Trailing 4-1 on the top of the ninth, the Angels had the bases loaded but were unable to score following Stefanic’s strikeout and a Mickey Moniak lineout to Whit Merrifield.
Immediately after the loss, a furious Nevin went over to confront the umpires in the LA dugout. Bench coach Ray Montgomery even had to restrain the second-year manager as a police officer led the umpires out.
Well, good thing Nevin at least didn’t get arrested by any of the nearby cops?
Nevin’s frustration is understood. The Angels entered this game just three games behind Toronto for the final wild card spot in the American League, but the loss dropped them to four games out.
Superstar Shohei Ohtani was pulled late (presumably an injury) in favor of Stefanic. Not having Ohtani in a crucial bases-loaded scenario in the top of the ninth likely served as extra frustration for Nevin.
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The Angels have two games left in their road series with Toronto. They could find themselves just two games out if they manage to win the next two, but losing either game would put a significant dent in LA’s postseason hopes.
