Skaggs not ready as Halos fall to A’s, 5-0

KOLE CALHOUN has two singles in the Angels’ 5-0 loss to the A’s on Saturday (Flickr/Keith Allison).

In his return to starting role for the Los Angeles Angels, Tyler Skaggs (1-2) is evidently not ready for prime time, as he was smacked for six hits and three runs in four innings in the Halos’ 5-0 loss to the Oakland Athletics on Saturday in Anaheim.

The loss snapped the Orange County team’s four-game winning streak and dropped them below .500 at 55-56. They also fell a half-game further back in the American League wild card race.

Of course, it wasn’t all Skaggs’ fault. His teammates managed only six hits in the game. Kole Calhoun did the best, with two singles. A’s starter Paul Blackburn kept the Angels at bay with 6 2/3 strong innings, giving up only five hits. He struck out just one batter, but walked no one.

The series with the A’s concludes on Sunday with Ricky Nolasco (5-12) making the start for the Angels.