Scioscia on Shoemaker: 'He pitched a terrific seven innings for us'

Published May. 27, 2015 2:48 a.m. ET

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Matt Shoemaker can't close the book on May just yet. The Angels starter will likely toe the rubber once again on Sunday -May 31.

However on Tuesday, he began to repair some of the heartache this month has brought on the mound.

The Halos hurler tossed seven scoreless innings but didn't factor in the decision in the Angels 4-0, 10th inning loss to San Diego.

Just as important as the scoreless innings Shoemaker tossed was the fact that he didn't give up any long balls. After giving up four in four starts last month, Shoemaker gave up nine home runs in his previous four starts in May this season, taking him to 13 on the year, which is the highest of any pitcher in the American League.

There was a point to be better down in the zone during his bullpens in between starts. Shoemaker recorded six ground ball outs and nine fly ball outs on Tuesday night. The six ground balls are tied for the third most he's had in a game this season.

Tuesday, Shoemaker was a much sharper version of himself.

"His stuff looked really good," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said. "It looked like he had just a nice, easy velocity. He wasn't trying to overthrow.

"He pitched the way we saw him pitch last year and that was great to see. It's tough not getting the win, but he pitched a terrific seven innings for us."

Shoemaker's night was on the verge of ending premature. The second batter of the game, Padres centerfielder Will Venable, hit a one-out comebacker that hit the Angels starter in the foot. 

He scurried to make a throw and ended up throwing the ball into right field. Venable advanced to third on the play, but was left stranded.

"It didn't feel great," Shoemaker said of the ball hitting his foot. "He definitely struck that ball well (and) got me pretty clean."

The game was delayed for the Angels training staff to come out and look at him. He tossed a couple of practice pitches then remained in the game and was sharp for the majority of the rest of his start.

He retired the Padres in order in four of the seven innings he pitched. His only real sign of trouble came in the top of the fourth when he loaded the bases with one out. Yet, he was able to get away unscathed with a strikeout of Cory Spangenberg and getting Will Middlebrooks to ground out to third to end the inning.

After surrendering 17 earned runs this month, he was pleased to put up a zero. It also ran his streak to 18 innings of not allowing a run in interleague play. 

"It's definitely discouraging that we didn't win the game," said Shoemaker who allowed four hits, walked one, and struck out six. "That's what we're here to do is win games, but definitely encouraged. For sure."  

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