Patrick Sandoval gives up five runs while recording only five outs, sending the Angels to an 11-3 loss. Mike Trout’s first-inning homer is the Angels’ only run against former Cy Young Award winner Corbin Burnes.
Angels starting pitcher Patrick Sandoval walks off the mound after being removed during the second inning of their season opener against the Baltimore Orioles on Thursday in Baltimore. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
Angels star Mike Trout watches the flight of his solo home run during the first inning of their season opener against the Baltimore Orioles on Thursday at Oriole Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
Angels star Mike Trout hits a home run in the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles on Opening Day at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on March 28, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Corbin Burnes reacts after giving up a home run in the first inning against the Los Angeles Angels on Opening Day at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on March 28, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
Angels star Mike Trout, right, celebrates with third base coach Eric Young Sr. after hitting a home run in the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles on Opening Day at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on March 28, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
The Angels’ Mike Trout (27) runs toward home plate after hitting a home run during the first inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles, Thursday, March 28, 2024, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson)
Angels star Mike Trout, left, celebrates with teammate Taylor Ward after hitting a home run in the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles on Opening Day at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on March 28, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Corbin Burnes exhales prior to throwing during the first inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels, Thursday, March 28, 2024, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson)
Orioles starting pitcher Corbin Burnes throws during the second inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels, Thursday, March 28, 2024, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson)
Angels starting pitcher Patrick Sandoval (43) throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles, Thursday, March 28, 2024, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson)
Adley Rutschman of the Baltimore Orioles hits a single in the first inning against the Los Angeles Angels on Opening Day at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on March 28, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
Angels starting pitcher Patrick Sandoval pitches in the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles on Opening Day at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on March 28, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
Jordan Westburg of the Baltimore Orioles drives in a run with a single in the first inning against the Los Angeles Angels on Opening Day at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on March 28, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
Angels starting pitcher Patrick Sandoval pitches in the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles on Opening Day at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on March 28, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
The Orioles’ Gunnar Henderson (2) lunges to third base during the first inning of an opening day baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels, Thursday, March 28, 2024, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson)
The Orioles’ Gunnar Henderson (2) dives in to third base during the first inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels, Thursday, March 28, 2024, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson)
Orioles’ Gunnar Henderson (2) dives into third base during the first inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels, Thursday, March 28, 2024, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson)
Baltimore Orioles fans cheer on the team during the first inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels, Thursday, March 28, 2024, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson)
Angels second baseman Brandon Drury forces out Ryan Mountcastle of the Baltimore Orioles at second base on a fielder’s choice in the first inning on Opening Day at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on March 28, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
Orioles starting pitcher Corbin Burnes throws during the second inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels, Thursday, March 28, 2024, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson)
Angels manager Ron Washington watches the game in the second inning against the Baltimore Orioles on Opening Day at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on March 28, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Corbin Burnes pitches in the second inning against the Los Angeles Angels on Opening Day at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on March 28, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
Angels starting pitcher Patrick Sandoval throws during the second inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles, Thursday, March 28, 2024, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson)
Angels center fielder Mike Trout catches a fly ball in the second inning against the Baltimore Orioles on Opening Day at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on March 28, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
The Orioles’ Anthony Santander swings during the second inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels, Thursday, March 28, 2024, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson)
Angels starting pitcher Patrick Sandoval pitches in the second inning against the Baltimore Orioles on Opening Day at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on March 28, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
The Orioles’ Jorge Mateo (3) celebrates after hitting a double during the second inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels, Thursday, March 28, 2024, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson)
Angels starting pitcher Patrick Sandoval throws during the second inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles, Thursday, March 28, 2024, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson)
The Orioles’ Adley Rutschman (35) runs to third base during the second inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels, Thursday, March 28, 2024, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson)
The Orioles’ Adley Rutschman (35) runs to home plate during the second inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels, Thursday, March 28, 2024, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson)
Angels starting pitcher Patrick Sandoval walks off the mound after being removed during the second inning of their season opener against the Baltimore Orioles on Thursday in Baltimore. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
Angels relief pitcher Jose Suarez throws during the second inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles, Thursday, March 28, 2024, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson)
Angels manager Ron Washington watches the game in the second inning against the Baltimore Orioles on Opening Day at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on March 28, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
Angels relief pitcher Jose Suarez pitches in the second inning against the Baltimore Orioles on Opening Day at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on March 28, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
The Baltimore Orioles play against the Angels in the sixth inning on Opening Day at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on March 28, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Corbin Burnes pitches in the third inning against the Los Angeles Angels on Opening Day at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on March 28, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
Angels relief pitcher Jose Cisnero pitches in the seventh inning against the Baltimore Orioles on Opening Day at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on March 28, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
Cedric Mullins of the Baltimore Orioles hits a three-run home run in the seventh inning against the Los Angeles Angels on Opening Day at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on March 28, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
Angels center fielder Mike Trout comes up short on a home run ball in the seventh inning off the bat of Cedric Mullins (not pictured) of the Baltimore Orioles on Opening Day at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on March 28, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
Angels center fielder Mike Trout reacts after a home run in the seventh inning off the bat of Cedric Mullins #31 (not pictured) of the Baltimore Orioles on Opening Day at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on March 28, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
Angels center fielder Mike Trout reacts after a ball cleared the fence for a home run in the seventh inning off the bat of Cedric Mullins (not pictured) of the Baltimore Orioles on Opening Day at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on March 28, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
Cedric Mullins of the Baltimore Orioles celebrates after hitting a three-run home run in the seventh inning against the Los Angeles Angels on Opening Day at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on March 28, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
Baltimore Orioles fans cheer in the sixth inning of the season opener against Angels on Thursday at Oriole Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
Angels relief pitcher Jose Cisnero pitches in the seventh inning against the Baltimore Orioles on Opening Day at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on March 28, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
Mike Baumann of the Baltimore Orioles pitches in the seventh inning against the Los Angeles Angels on Opening Day at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on March 28, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Dillon Tate (55) throws during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels, Thursday, March 28, 2024, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson)
Angels star Mike Trout takes batting practice before the game against the Baltimore Orioles on Opening Day at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on March 28, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
Angels manager Ron Washington, left, talks with Baltimore Orioles manager Brandon Hyde on Opening Day at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on March 28, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
Angels star Mike Trout watches batting practice before the game against the Baltimore Orioles on Opening Day at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on March 28, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
The Angels’ Miguel Sano (22) is introduced before the game against the Baltimore Orioles on Opening Day at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on March 28, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
Former Baltimore Oriole Cal Ripken Jr. waves to the crowd before the game between the Baltimore Orioles and the Los Angeles Angels on Opening Day at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on March 28, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
The Baltimore Orioles are introduced before the game against the Los Angeles Angels on Opening Day at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on March 28, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE — After years of underachieving and then months in which they didn’t do enough to satisfy their fans that they were moving in the right direction, the Angels began the 2024 season by sending a message that things were going to be different.
Then, the bottom of the first inning started.
After Mike Trout’s homer put the Angels on the board in the top of the first, Patrick Sandoval failed to hold the lead for even three outs, sending the Angels on their way to an 11-3 Opening Day loss to the Baltimore Orioles on Thursday.
“We didn’t do a good job on the mound and we didn’t supply any offense,” Manager Ron Washington said. “You can’t win if you don’t do either. So they beat us.”
Sandoval was charged with five runs while recording just five outs. That was not what the Angels needed on a day they had to tangle with former Cy Young Award winner Corbin Burnes in his debut with an Orioles team that won 101 games without him last year.
Sandoval walked two of the first three hitters of the game, with a bloop single in between, loading the bases with no outs. Sandoval was an out away from escaping the inning with only one run on the board, but Jordan Westburg hit a flare just over leaping second baseman Brandon Drury, pushing in a second run.
In the second, third baseman Anthony Rendon mishandled a routine grounder to start the inning. Jorge Mateo then rolled a grounder just inside the third base line, for a double.
An out later, Sandoval gave up singles to Adley Rutschman and Ryan Mountcastle, driving in two more runs. An Anthony Santander sacrifice fly drove in the fifth run. The Orioles then added an infield hit when a ball ticked off Rendon’s glove.
Sandoval was then pulled, having endured a painfully familiar storyline, filled with walks, bloop hits and poor defense behind him all. Two of the runs were unearned. Five of the six hits he allowed had exit velocities of slower than 90 mph.
“I definitely didn’t do my job,” Sandoval said. “Put us in a sticky situation to start the game after Trout homers. To walk two in the first inning, it’s not the way to start the game, or the season.”
Washington said Sandoval might have been “overamped” for his first Opening Day start.
“That’s OK,” Washington said. “One game. He’s gonna get maybe 30 more. It’s only one game. And it’s something that a young guy like him can learn from. And it’s an experience every time you hit that mound, and that was an experience today. We still have confidence in Sandoval. We know he will find the strike zone. Today was one of those days things didn’t go his way.”
José Suarez followed him to the mound and soaked up 3⅔ innings, allowing two more runs. The Orioles added four more against right-hander José Cisnero, three on a Cedric Mullins homer in the seventh.
Even if the Angels had pitched better or played better defense, they still might have lost because the hitters did nothing with Burnes.
Trout belted a 402-foot homer on a Burnes slider, setting an Angels record with his fourth Opening Day homer.
The Angels did not have another baserunner against Burnes, striking out 11 times in his six innings.
“Obviously felt good hitting that, but it didn’t matter,” Trout said. “I felt OK up there. Burnes had some good stuff. That’s why he’s one of the top pitchers in the league.”
