Angels throw no-hitter in 1st home game since passing of Tyler Skaggs

The Los Angeles Angels returned to Anaheim on Friday night for the first time since the unexpected passing of pitcher, and former Arizona Diamondback, Tyler Skaggs.

But nobody could have predicted what was about to take place at Angel Stadium.

Not only did the Angels win 13-0, they combined to no-hit the Seattle Mariners and were only a fifth-inning walk away from a perfect game.

Angel in the outfield. pic.twitter.com/iYoPlBxKYx

— MLB (@MLB) July 13, 2019

The entire team wore the No. 45 in honor of their fallen teammate and placed their jerseys on the mound showing Skaggs’ name and number after the game.

45 ❤ pic.twitter.com/mHo4DZuldE

— MLB (@MLB) July 13, 2019

It was an emotional night in Anaheim from the very first pitch. Skaggs’ mother, Debbie Skaggs, threw out the ceremonial first pitch from the rubber.

And just like her son, threw an absolute strike.

Tyler Skagg's mother, Debbie Skaggs, throws the first pitch in tonight's home game. The first game back in Anaheim since the loss of Tyler. #45

❤️👼 pic.twitter.com/WWsjpOMsoT

— FOX Sports West (@FoxSportsWest) July 13, 2019

Angels 27-year-old center fielder Mike Trout, who normally wears No. 27, hit his 29th home run of the year, a 454-foot shot on the first pitch he saw.

Seems as though @Angels Stadium now has a guardian angel 👼@MikeTrout with his 29th homerun pic.twitter.com/vyzENxqr50

— FOX Sports West (@FoxSportsWest) July 13, 2019

Coincidentally, Skaggs’ 28th birthday would’ve been July 13, meaning Friday night would’ve been his last as a 27-year-old.

If he had pitched every fifth game from his last start June 29, the lefty would’ve started on his birthday.

Mike Trout: “You can’t make this stuff up.”

The Angels scored 7 runs in the first inning tonight, finished with 13. Tyler Skaggs’ birthday is 7/13.

— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) July 13, 2019

Whether it’s Angels in the outfield or just pure coincidence, these numbers only add to the mystique of what took place at Angel Stadium on Friday night:

The @Angels paid tribute to Tyler Skaggs by throwing a combined no-hitter against the Mariners in Anaheim.

The last time there was a combined no-hitter in the state of California? Orioles-A's in Oakland on July 13, 1991 – the same day Tyler Skaggs was born.#TheHaloWay

— Stats By STATS (@StatsBySTATS) July 13, 2019

The #Angels’ 13-0 no-hit win was 13 days after Tyler #Skaggs last outing 6/29.

9+6-2=13#Skaggs45 #TheHaloWay #RIP45 #AngelsInTheOutfield

— Jake Anderson (@jwa1994) July 13, 2019

Runs: Angels 13-0 Mariners

Hits: Angels 13-0

On base: Angels 20-1 Mariners

13+13+20-1=45

— Jake Anderson (@jwa1994) July 13, 2019

On 7/12/18, exactly one year to the day, the #Angels beat the Mariners 11-2 in a 13-run game at Angels Stadium. Tyler #Skaggs got the win with a final line of: 6IP, 1R, 5H, 5K.

Via @Ay_Ay_Ron23: pic.twitter.com/rkT9tqTjLe

— Jake Anderson (@jwa1994) July 13, 2019

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