Quick ejection for Mike Scioscia
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Third base umpire Rob Drake wasn’t in much of a mood to argue.
Drake ejected Angels Manager Mike Scioscia in the bottom of the second inning Wednesday at Angel Stadium -- before Scioscia even left the dugout to protest a called strike against designated hitter Hideki Matsui.
Home plate umpire Joe West ruled that Matsui went around on a pitch from Cleveland’s Jake Westbrook that bounced in the dirt and nearly hit him. Scioscia protested from the dugout and motioned toward Drake, who mimicked a swing with his arm.
Drake then ejected Scioscia, who finally raced from the dugout to talk things over with the umpire. It was the 25th ejection of Scioscia’s career and the first of the season.
Things have not gotten off to a promising start for the Angels, who trail, 1-0, going into the top of the fourth. Center fielder Torii Hunter nearly made a dazzling catch of a second-inning drive to right-center field by Austin Kearns, only to have the ball pop out of his glove as he leaped and his body banged against the wall. Kearns wound up with a double and eventually scored on Jhonny Peralta’s sacrifice fly.
Westbrook has a perfect game through three innings.
-- Ben Bolch