ANAHEIM, Calif. -- In between C.J. Wilson giving up six runs over 5 2/3 innings and Michael Kohn allowing a two-run home run to Brad Miller in the ninth to increase the Angels deficit from three runs to five runs, there was Matt Shoemaker providing a small ray of hope for the Halos in their 8-3 loss to Seattle Tuesday night.
Shoemaker came on in relief of Wilson with two outs in the top of the sixth inning with a runner on second and threw 2 1/3 innings of one-hit shutout ball. He struck out two and didn't walk any.
It was a welcome sight out of the Angels bullpen after being responsible for allowing six runs over 2 2/3 innings the night before.
"I felt pretty good," Shoemaker said. "I just went out there, wanted to keep the team in the game and give us a chance to win."
Added manager Mike Scioscia: "He really looked sharp tonight and pitched well."
Shoemaker signed with the Angels in 2008 as an undrafted free agent. The 27-year-old made his MLB debut last September against the Mariners after being called up to make a start in place of a scratched Jered Weaver.
He gave up two hits and struck out five but didn't figure in the decision.
Tuesday night he came out of the bullpen in middle relief, a role Scioscia feels can make him valuable to the team.
"Shoe pitched great baseball for us and I think that's the role you can see him in," Scioscia said. "He can come in and I think hold a lead in the middle innings or give you a little bit of length."
