Mike Trout Makes Admission About Clutch Struggles After Angels’ Loss

Jul 23, 2025 11:48 AM EDT

The Los Angeles Angels experienced one of the most painful types of losses on Tuesday: a winnable game that slipped through their fingers.

Outfielder Jorge Soler opened the scoring with a solo homer in the second inning before first baseman Nolan Schanuel’s RBI double in the fifth. However, Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez tied the game with a two-run homer in the fifth before outfielder Brandon Nimmo’s RBI single in the same frame, bringing the score to 3-2.

The score stayed that way for the rest of the game, and Angels designated hitter Mike Trout was one of the main reasons why. The future Hall of Famer struck out with runners on second and third base in the fifth, struck out again with a man on first in the seventh, and popped out with runners on first and second in the ninth. He finished 1-for-5 and is now 6-for-50 with one homer in late/close situations this season.

Trout was asked if he puts pressure on himself in clutch moments, via The Athletic’s Sam Blum.

Los Angeles Angels star Mike Trout (27) — Source: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

“Nah, I think when I feel good and when my swing is where it should be, I get good results,” he said. “I feel like I’ve just been battling through some stuff in the cage since the break.”

Trout is slashing .238/.361/.460 with 17 homers and 44 RBI across 75 games this season. The veteran is on pace to play 100-plus contests in one campaign for the first time since 2022.

Los Angeles will try to avoid getting swept by New York on Wednesday afternoon at Citi Field. Angels southpaw Brock Burke (4-1, 3.38 ERA) will start against Mets southpaw Sean Manaea (0-1, 2.45 ERA).

Los Angeles is four games behind the Boston Red Sox for the AL’s third Wild Card spot.