Huge sixth lifts Halos past Phillies

Aug 12, 2014; Anaheim, CA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies catcher Carlos Ruiz (51) throws to first base to complete a double play after forcing out Los Angeles Angels right fielder Kole Calhoun (56) at home plate during the first inning at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

Jerome Williams lasted 5.1 innings in his Phillies debut Tuesday night and for a while he seemed capable of keeping his new club in line for a win against one of his former clubs.

Then, the sixth inning happened as the Angels hit around to put up seven runs and go on to win 7-2.

The Angels had been struggling offensively, but perhaps a seven-run sixth inning was all they needed to get back on track.

Trying to protect a 2-0 lead, Williams gave up a solo home run to Kole Calhoun.  He then struck out Mike Trout for the first out of the inning.  Albert Pujols got a hit to follow.

Enter Antonio Bastardo.  Exit Phillies lead.

Bastardo only made it through a third of an inning, but the Angels batted around.  The lefty reliever gave up four hits and five runs, four of them earned.  Ten of his 19 pitches were strikes, but the Angels seemed to like the pitch placement as they took the lead emphatically by a score of 7-2.

Ryan Howard had a sacrifice fly in the fourth inning to drive in Ben Revere for the first run of the game.  He went 1-for-3 as the DH and has now touched base in his last nine games.

Marlon Byrd knocked in Chase Utley for the second Phillies run with an RBI single in the top of the sixth inning.

Williams left the game hoping the bullpen would seal the deal and he’d get his third win of the season.  It would’ve meant one win with each of the three teams he’s played for in 2014.

“I don’t think it’s like an audition or anything like that,” Williams told the Phillies’ official website.  “The only thing I’m thinking about is performing. Whatever the team asks me to do I’ll do.”

Both clubs honored the late Jim Fregosi, who passed away in February, before the game.  Fregosi managed both the Angels and Phillies.