The Angels first home game since Tyler Skaggs passed away was unforgettable.
Angles pitcher Tyler Skaggs was found dead in a Texas hotel room on July 1, hours before the team was to play the Rangers, a game that would later be postponed.
The team has carried out a number of tributes to him since then, but on Friday they played at home for the first time since his death. It was an incredible night from start to finish.
Mike Trout homered on the first pitch he saw, wearing Tyler Skaggs' No. 45 👏
(via @Angels)pic.twitter.com/CaNRlXlrKj
— ESPN (@espn) July 13, 2019
It begin with every player on the Angels wearing a Tyler Skaggs jersey. The team then brought out Skaggs’ mother, Debbie — accompanied by his wife, brother, and stepdad — to throw out the ceremonial first pitch. She proceed to throw a perfect strike right down the middle from the mound.
Tyler Skaggs' mom, Debbie, strolls to the mound to throw out the first pitch, and fires a strike. pic.twitter.com/SC3wpypA6n
— Justin Russo (@FlyByKnite) July 13, 2019
The night game itself was a wonderful tribute to Skaggs. It started with Mike Trout crushing a home run in the first inning, and ended with the Angels throwing a no-hitter and winning 13-0.
The moment the Angels completed their combined no-hitter with No. 45 on their backs, honoring their late teammate, Tyler Skaggs 🙏 pic.twitter.com/AmRcmzL9eJ
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) July 13, 2019
After the game, there was a very emotional moment on the field as each player took off their Skaggs jersey and placed it on the mound.
A no-no just hours before what would have been Tyler Skaggs' 28th birthday.
You can't script this. For Tyler. pic.twitter.com/wxiXIsYlfE
— MLB (@MLB) July 13, 2019