The Los Angeles Angels ended their season with a 7-3 loss against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park, marking a historic moment for the team. The loss officially recorded the Angels’ first 100-loss season in their 65-year history. All Major League Baseball franchises now share the experience of a triple-digit loss record.
First-year manager Kurt Suzuki witnessed the culmination of a difficult season as his team ended with a 62-100 record, surpassing an earlier low. The season’s final game had a dramatic tone. Mike Trout, a key player for the Angels, observed from the dugout during a scheduled rest day as his younger teammates aimed to avoid an unwanted place in history.
Shortstop Zach Neto expressed optimism that pride would help the team finish strong, and a 5-4 run in their last nine games offered a glimmer of hope. Unfortunately, the last game was challenging. Yusei Kikuchi, facing his old team, struggled on the mound, allowing three runs over five innings. Although Bryce Teodosio managed a sixth-inning sacrifice fly to narrow the gap to 3-1, Seattle swiftly widened their lead.
An error and a two-run double from Randy Arozarena secured the Mariners’ victory. A late home run by Jose Siri brought brief excitement, but the game concluded with Dominic Canzone catching the last out.
Earlier in the season, the Angels’ general manager Perry Minasian was replaced by interim GM John Mozeliak, who revamped the team’s roster. Well-known players like Taylor Ward and Jo Adell were traded for prospects, leaving Suzuki with a youthful team to develop.
Despite reaching this low point, changes are underway for the Angels. Arte Moreno’s tenure as the team’s leader is ending with the sale of the franchise to Stan Kroenke’s group for $4 billion. Kroenke’s history of building successful sports teams provides new hope for the Angels as they enter a new era with a vision for future success.