An incredible scene played out in Los Angeles last night. The Angels were playing their first home game since Tyler Skaggs tragically passed away on July 1, and they honored their teammate in the best possible way. Félix Peña and Taylor Cole combined to throw a no hitter in a 13-0 win over the Seattle Mariners.
UNBELIEVABLE.
In their first home game since Tyler Skaggs’ passing, the @Angels throw a combined no-hitter. pic.twitter.com/92aJIfC1S8
— MLB (@MLB) July 13, 2019
Before the game started, the Angels held a moment of silence in Skaggs’ memory. His mother came and through out the first pitch, and every player wore No. 45 last night in his honor. It was an incredibly touching moment that left more than one person choked up.
The Angels paid tribute to Tyler Skaggs before their first home game since his death.
They held a moment of silence and his mom Debbie threw out the first pitch.
(via @MLB)pic.twitter.com/CLoSYb7tsJ
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) July 13, 2019
You could sense something special was brewing rather quickly. The Angels lit up the scoreboard in the first inning, dropping a seven spot on the Mariners. They batted around and superstar Mike Trout crushed a two-run home run to center and followed that up with a two-run double later in the inning. Trout ended up knocking in six runners on the night.
Gone but never forgotten ⚾👼❤️
#45 | @Angels pic.twitter.com/0R3c3g7DYh
— Bally Sports West (@BallySportWest) July 13, 2019
After the game, the Angels had an emotional celebration and dedicated the night to Tyler Skaggs in another way. In a scene that few who witnessed it will forget, the Angels took off their Skaggs jerseys and laid them on the mound one by one as the fans cheered in approval.
Skaggs’ 45 is emblazoned on the mound and the outfield wall, and both features will remain for at least the rest of the season. The Angels have also said that merchandise honoring Skaggs will soon be available in the team store with proceeds benefiting the Tyler Skaggs Baseball Foundation.
There is still no word on Skaggs’ cause of death. The 27-year-old was found dead in his hotel room in Arlington during a road trip against the Texas Rangers earlier this month. Police have said they do not suspect foul play in the pitcher’s death.
