[Nick Soulis]

Series #156



2016 Los Angeles Angels
Record: 74-88
Finish: 4th in AL West
Manager: Mike Scioscia
Ball Park: Angel Stadium
WAR Leader: Mike Trout (10.5)
Franchise Record: 3-2
Hall of Famers: (0)
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/LAA/2016.shtml

2003 Tampa Bay Devil Rays
Record: 63-99
Finish: 5th in AL East
Manager: Lou Piniella
Ball Park: Tropicana Field
WAR Leader: Aubrey Huff (4.0)
Franchise Record: 1-1
Hall of Famers: (0)
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/TBD/2003.shtml
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Star Power Shines For LA
Trout And Pujols Have Big Series In Wake Of Rays



Game 1
At Angels Stadium
2003 Tampa Bay Devi Rays 2
2016 Los Angeles Angels 8
WP: M. Shoemaker (1-0) LP: J. Sosa (0-1)
HR: M. Trout
POG: Matt Shoemaker (6.2 IP, 2 ER, 1 BB, 9 K, 102 P)
2016 Angels Lead Series 1-0

In the opening game of the Field of Dreams best-of-seven series, the 2016 Los Angeles Angels asserted their dominance over the 2003 Tampa Bay Devil Rays with a commanding 8-2 victory. The Angels exploded for five runs in the first inning, with C.J. Cron, Kole Calhoun, and Jett Bandy delivering key two-out RBIs, quickly putting Tampa Bay on its heels. Matt Shoemaker was stellar on the mound for Los Angeles, striking out nine over 6.2 innings and allowing just two runs, securing Player of the Game honors. While Marlon Anderson’s seventh-inning single gave the Devil Rays a glimmer of hope with a run, the Angels’ bullpen held firm to close out the win. Mike Trout added to the lead with a solo home run in the fourth, while Cron recorded three RBIs on a triple and a double. Despite Brandon Backe’s unfortunate injury in the eighth, the Angels stayed focused and will carry their 1-0 series lead into tomorrow’s matchup.

Game 2
At Angels Stadium
2003 Tampa Bay Devi Rays 3
2016 Los Angeles Angels 7
WP: G. Richards (1-0) LP: G. Gonzalez (0-1)
HR: J. Valentin (1), A. Pujols (1)
POG: Albert Pujols (2-4, HR, 4 RBI, R)
2016 Angels Lead Series 2-0

In Game 2 of their best-of-seven Field of Dreams series, the 2016 Los Angeles Angels overpowered the 2003 Tampa Bay Devil Rays with a 7-3 win, taking a commanding 2-0 series lead. Albert Pujols shone as the Angels' offensive force, launching a crucial three-run homer in the third inning off Geremi Gonzalez that extended their lead to 5-1. Pujols ended the game with two hits and four RBIs, and was rightfully named Player of the Game. Starter Garrett Richards pitched solidly through 6.1 innings, striking out eight while allowing only two earned runs, with Cam Bedrosian and the bullpen containing Tampa Bay’s lineup the rest of the way. Julio Lugo’s two-run shot in the seventh was one of the few bright spots for Tampa Bay, who struggled to capitalize with runners in scoring position. The game also saw Mike Trout exiting in the second inning due to a base-running injury, a potential blow for the Angels as the series shifts to Tropicana Field for Game 3. The cool October night in Anaheim saw 50,397 fans braving 61-degree weather and a slight breeze, hoping to witness their team continue their winning ways.

Game 3
At Tropicana Field
2016 Los Angeles Angels 11
2003 Tampa Bay Devi Rays 3
WP: T. Skaggs (1-0) LP: V. Zambrano (0-1)
HR: Y. Escobar (1)
POG: Mike Trout (2-3, 3B, 3 R, 2 BB)
2016 Angels Lead Series 3-0

The 2016 Los Angeles Angels took control of their Field of Dreams best-of-seven series against the 2003 Tampa Bay Devil Rays with an 11-3 victory in Game 3, giving them a commanding 3-0 series lead. A five-run explosion in the fourth inning, ignited by Daniel Nava's run-scoring walk, put the Angels firmly in the driver's seat. Mike Trout led the offense, going 2-for-3 with a triple, two walks, and three runs scored, earning him Player of the Game honors. Yunel Escobar added a solo home run in the eighth, further boosting the Angels' lead. Tyler Skaggs pitched 5.2 solid innings, allowing just two earned runs and striking out six. Meanwhile, the Devil Rays struggled, managing only six hits and committing two errors. Tampa Bay’s starter, Victor Zambrano, was chased early after surrendering five runs in just 3.1 innings. With the win, the Angels are now just one game away from a series sweep, putting Tampa Bay on the brink of elimination.

Game 4
At Tropicana Field
2016 Los Angeles Angels 4
2003 Tampa Bay Devi Rays 7
WP: J. Colome (1-0) LP: N. Tropeano (0-1) S: L. Carter (1)
HR: C. Cron (1), R. Baldelli (1)
POG: Rocco Baldelli (2-3, HR, 5 RBI, 2 R)
2016 Angels Lead Series 3-1

The 2003 Tampa Bay Devil Rays fought to avoid a sweep, defeating the 2016 Los Angeles Angels 7-4 in Game 4 at Tropicana Field, trimming the Angels’ series lead to 3-1. Rocco Baldelli, who delivered a stellar performance, ignited the Tampa Bay offense with a first-inning grand slam, establishing an early 4-0 lead. Baldelli’s power play and on-base presence—going 2-for-3 with a walk and five RBIs—set the tone for the Devil Rays, who received timely insurance runs in the seventh and eighth innings. Meanwhile, the Angels struggled to keep pace despite a two-run homer from C.J. Cron in the third inning. Nick Tropeano, the Angels’ starter, allowed five runs in just 2.2 innings, while the Devil Rays’ bullpen held strong, with Lance Carter securing the save. The 40,373 fans in attendance were treated to a glimpse of the Devil Rays’ resilience, and they’ll look to Game 5 to keep their series hopes alive.

Game 5
At Tropicana Field
2016 Los Angeles Angels 7
2003 Tampa Bay Devi Rays 6
WP: M. Morin (1-0) LP: R. Bell (0-1) S: H. Street (1)
HR: K. Calhoun (1), A. Pujols (2), J. Valentin (2), A. Huff (1)
POG: Albert Pujols (2-5, HR, 2 RBI, 2 R)

The 2016 Los Angeles Angels captured their first title with a thrilling 7-6 win over the 2003 Tampa Bay Devil Rays at Tropicana Field, clinching the series 4-1. It was a back-and-forth affair, highlighted by Albert Pujols’ clutch two-run homer in the fifth inning, which ultimately secured him Player of the Game honors. Tampa Bay rallied in the seventh with a two-run homer by Aubrey Huff, bringing them within a run, but the Angels’ bullpen, led by Huston Street, held firm in the final innings. The Angels celebrated their victory on the field, with manager Mike Scioscia praising the team's resilience and unity throughout the season.

2016 Los Angeles Angels Win Series 4 Games To 2

Series MVP:

(7/14, 8 R, 1 HR, 1 SB, 3 2B, 1 3B, 1.071 SLG, .650 OBP)