The Los Angeles Angels concluded their season-opening road trip with a 6-2 defeat against the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday afternoon at Wrigley Field. The loss was heavily influenced by a challenging third inning where the Angels struggled both offensively and defensively.

Nightmare Third Inning for the Angels

Left-hander Yusei Kikuchi’s outing began to unravel with a walk to Miguel Amaya. Nico Hoerner followed with a double, prompting a play at the plate. Shortstop Zach Neto’s throw to catcher Travis d’Arnaud appeared to beat Amaya, but the call stood as safe.

Challenge Denied

Angels manager Kurt Suzuki immediately signaled for a replay review. However, third base umpire Chris Guccione disallowed the challenge, citing that the request was made too late. According to the rules, teams have a limited time to initiate a review.

“He said it was a judgment thing,” Suzuki explained. “He said it was like zero-bam and then I challenged, so it was like right after. If we’re late, we’re late. Can’t really argue that.” Guccione confirmed the timing, stating the umpire alerts clock operators to start a 15-second timer upon acknowledging the manager’s request.

The denied challenge proved costly as Kikuchi subsequently surrendered four more hits and another walk, resulting in a five-run inning for the Cubs. Two of the hits were difficult plays for first baseman Jeimer Candelario.

Offensive Struggles and Cold Weather

The Angels’ offense struggled throughout the game, managing only four hits and striking out 16 times. The game was played in chilly 39-degree weather, the coldest first pitch temperature for an Angels game since April 2013 in Minnesota.

Neto led off the game with a single but was caught stealing. The Angels didn’t reach base again until Neto walked in the fourth inning. They scored their two runs in the sixth, with an RBI single from Jo Adell and a run scored on an error.

“It kind of snowballed a little bit on us,” Suzuki said. “It’s a momentum thing, as we know in baseball. Once you get the momentum, things start rolling.”

Kikuchi Reflects on Performance

Kikuchi acknowledged his four walks as the primary issue, particularly the leadoff walk in the pivotal third inning. “The first walk in the third inning, I think brought in their rally,” Kikuchi said through his interpreter. Despite the rough inning, Kikuchi managed to complete 5⅓ innings.

Cubs left-hander Matthew Boyd contributed to the Angels’ offensive difficulties, striking out 10 batters in 5⅔ innings. Suzuki praised Boyd’s performance, stating, “He was executing his pitches.”