The Angels dropped a wild game on Friday night to open the series against the Tampa Bay Rays, but in the top of the ninth inning, they had one of the plays of the year.
Carlos Estevez quickly allowed runners to reach first and third with no outs, but fortunately for him, the defense had his back.
A ground ball to shortstop allowed the Halos to turn a double play, but while the double play was being turned, Yandy Diaz on third took off for home.
Rookie first baseman Nolan Schanuel, playing in his MLB debut less than six weeks after being drafted, had the presence of mind to make the catch and then throw home, where he made a perfect play to Logan O'Hoppe who made the tag to complete the inning ending triple play.
While the Angels weren't able to hold on and win it in the 10th, Estevez still had a lot to say about the triple play.
“That was insane,” Estevez said. “I think the only other time I’ve been part of a triple play was in Little League when I was 11. That was insane. It was really cool to be part of. It was amazing to see how smooth it was.”
Schanuel talked about the play, too.
“Drury made a good play,” Schanuel said. “Right when he threw it to me, [Yandy Diaz] took off. And I just saw it out of the peripheral, turned over, and made a good throw. And O’Hoppe saved me on that one by putting the good tag.”
Not bad for an MLB debut.
The Angels weren't able to hold on to the win, but they'll hope to have more success on Saturday in the doubleheader. Jimmy Herget has been called up as the 27th man, while Chase Silseth and Patrick Sandoval are getting the mound in each game for the Halos.
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