Ducks eliminated; Angels get a wild win

The 2016-17 season for the Anaheim Ducks came to a disappointing end Monday night as they were defeated 6-3 by the Nashville Predators in Tennessee and eliminated four games to two in the NHL Western Conference finals.

After falling behind 2-0 and 3-1, the Ducks tied the game at 3-3 in the third period, but then gave up three unanswered goals to send Nashville to its first Stanley Cup finals against the winner of the Eastern Conference finals series between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Ottawa Senators. The Penguins lead the series three games to two.

Anaheim got scores from Ondrej Kase, Chris Wagner and Cam Fowler. Colton Simmons scored three goals for the Preds, who won going away despite being outshot 41-18 by the visiting Ducks.

ANGELS SCORE THE WINNER WITHOUT A HIT

The Los Angeles Angels have been an inconsistent team in hitting, but on Monday night they scored the winning run in their 3-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays in St. Petersburg without a hit.

With two out in the seventh inning, Ray reliever Ryne Stanek bounced a pitch to Albert Pujols. The ball got away from the Tampa Bay catcher and Jefry Marte dashed home from third on the wild pitch and he scored what proved to be the winning run.

The victory – their sixth in eight games – gave the Angels a 24-23 record and third place in the American League West. They’re seven games back of the Houston Astros.

Other stars of the game were Cameron Maybin, who had two hits – including a home run – and two walks, and starting pitcher J.C. Ramirez (4-3). Ramirez worked 6.2 innings, giving up six hits and two runs. He struck out five batters and walked two.

The series continues Tuesday with Matt Shoemaker (3-2) slated to make the start for the Halos.