Rally in sixth puts Angels past Phillies, again

Aug 13, 2014; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels shortstop Erick Aybar (left) scores a run past Philadelphia Phillies catcher Carlos Ruiz (right) in the 2nd inning during the game at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

For the second night in a row the Phillies were in good position to beat the Angels in Anaheim.  For the second night in a row the Angels used a sixth inning rally to get the job done.

Tuesday Phillies pitchers allowed a seven-run sixth.  Wedneday it was a three-run sixth, but it was enough for the Halos to steal a 4-3 win and take the two-game set.

Omitting the sixth, A.J. Burnett was solid although he picked up his 13th loss.  Albert Pujols, who is now 7-for-23 lifetime against Burnett with five extra-base hits, started the rally by doubling with one out.  Burnett then proceeded to hit Josh Hamilton and walk Erick Aybar.  A single and a fielder’s choice brought the three runners in to score.

Burnett was less than pleased with his hiccup and cited control issues for his latest pitching woes.

“Yeah, I’m very discouraged,” Burnett told the Phillies’ official website. “I’m not going to lie. I’m not going to be happy. Man, I’ve got to bite my tongue. I’m a positive person, so the sun is going to come up. I’m going to figure out a way to battle and grind. That’s all I can say.”

Failure to provide run support was also frustrating for the Phillies who outhit the Angels 11-6.  Angels starter Jered Weaver also went six innings, pitching himself out of jams to improve to 13-7.  The Phillies, who rank 23rd in the majors in runs scored, left nine on base Wedneday night.

RBI singles from Jimmy Rollins and Marlon Byrd put the Phillies up 2-1 until the sixth.

Ryan Howard went 0-for-2 with a strikeout and a pair of walks.  The first baseman has reached base in his last nine games.

Ken Giles was all business in his relief appearance.  He threw a perfect seventh on ten pitches, eight of them strikes.  Giles has 37 strikeouts with a 1.44 ERA in 25 innings.