May 29, 2017

The Braves exploded for 6 runs in the 3rd inning on Monday night in Anaheim, as Atlanta took down the Angels 6-3.

Matt Adams and Danny Santana each had two-run doubles in the 3rd, highlighting the early rally that put the game out of reach.

It was the first game the Angels played after learning that they will be without Mike Trout for the next 6-8 weeks.  The center fielder elected to undergo surgery to repair a torn ligament in his left thumb.

“We have to be more than one guy, and feel we are,” Angels manager Mike Scioscia said. “It’s a big loss in the clubhouse and on the field, but hopefully the surgery goes well and he’s back in a reasonable amount of time and we’ll have our offense in gear by the time he gets back.”

Ricky Nolasco fell to 2-5 on the season, and lasted just 2 2/3 innings.  He gave up all 6 runs on 6 hits.

“It looked like Ricky was trying to throw his way out of jams instead of pitching,” Scioscia said.

The Halos 3 runs came on 3 solo home runs.  They led 1-0 after Andrelton Simmons 5th of the season.

Albert Pujols connected on his 7th home of the year in the 4th, which was the 598th long ball of his career.  Luis Valbuena followed with a solo blast of his own to make it back-to-back.

However, Julio Teheran (4-4) got the win after holding the Angels to those 3 runs on 6 hits.  He pitched 6 1/3 innings, departing after 91 pitches.

Jim Johnson pitched the 9th inning, picking up his 11th save of the season.

The Angels and Braves will be back at it on Tuesday night at the Big A.  Parker Bridwell will make his major league debut for the Halos.  Bartolo Colon (2-5, 6.96 ERA) gets the ball for the Braves.