Bullpen collapses late, offense continues to stall in loss to Blue Jays

Jack Kochanowicz #41 of the Los Angeles Angels pitches during an MLB game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Angel Stadium on April 21, 2026 in Anaheim, California. ANAHEIM, Calif. — In a matter of six pitches, the wheels fell off for the Angels.

Left-hander Drew Pomeranz was tasked with facing the top of the Blue Jays’ lineup in the eighth inning in a tie game, and after retiring the leadoff hitter and getting the next batter to two strikes, things went south fast. Pomeranz proceeded to give up three runs over the next six pitches and earned the loss in the Angels’ 4-2 loss against the Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday night. He had second baseman Ernie Clement down in the count, but Clement took Pomeranz’s 2-2 knuckle curve that was well below the strike zone and hit a double to left field.

With first base open, the Angels opted to intentionally walk the ever-dangerous Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to avoid his bat and to create a chance for a double play. Pinch hitter Lenyn Sosa then sharply lined a 1-1 fastball that didn’t get as high as Pomeranz wanted off the bottom of the wall in right field to score both runners.

Two pitches later, designated hitter Eloy Jiménez grounded a ball through the right side to score the third run of the inning. “We like (Pomeranz) against their best guys,” manager Kurt Suzuki said. “And he really executed the pitch.