The Los Angeles Angels are a fun team to watch in Major League Baseball. Though the Angels registered a thumping win over the Texas Rangers, a tactical decision to order an intentional walk to Corey Seager almost cost a defeat to the Angels.
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On Friday, the LA Angels clashed with the Texas Rangers in their eighth game of the 2022 season. And given that they have already lost four out of seven games in 2022, it was a much-needed game for Maddon’s side.
During the game, when the Rangers were batting, the Angels’ manager took a surprising decision and intentionally allowed the Rangers’ shortstop Corey Seager to walk with bases loaded.
The LA Angels give Corey Seager the Barry Bonds treatment
In the fourth inning, a tactical decision by the Angels manager ended up giving a 4-2 lead to the Rangers. Notably, Corey Seager is in the form of his life. And had he stayed at the plate, the star shortstop would have hurt the Angels even more. Probably with a grand slam.
When the Angels relief pitcher, Austin Warren, was at the mound, Maddon allowed Seager to walk with bases full juiced. Well, this decision by the Angels manager turned out to be a historical one, as he let Corey Seager become only the third MLB player to get the intentional walk with bases loaded, since 1950. However, the Angels slugger, Mike Trout, seemed pissed off with this move. He looked surprised in the ballpark.
The Angels just intentionally walked Corey Seager with the bases loaded! pic.twitter.com/PXyda9F6az
— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) April 16, 2022
Before Seager, MLB icon Barry Bonds and Josh Hamilton got the same treatment in 1998 and 2008, respectively. On the other hand, Joe Maddon also became the first manager in the 21st century to order an intentional walk with bases loaded while trailing in the game. Before Maddon, Jim O’Rourke of the Buffalo Bisons did this first in 1881.
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Intentional walks with bases loaded, since 1950:
Corey Seager, tonight
Josh Hamilton, 2008
Barry Bonds, 1998Tonight & '08 were vs Joe Maddon-managed teams
— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) April 16, 2022
LA #Angels Joe Maddon becomes the first manager to order an intentional walk with the bases loaded while trailing in a game since Jim O'Rourke of the Buffalo Bisons on Aug. 2, 1881.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) April 16, 2022
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