Poor pitching is a big reason for Angels’ slide in August

The Angels’ 9-15 record in August has severely hampered their quest to reach the playoffs, and poor pitching has been the prime culprit. Starting pitchers have an 5.82 earned-run average this month, and the bullpen has labored with a 6.05 ERA since the All-Star break. Here are the month’s five low points:

1. Aug. 18: Angels blow an 8-0 lead against Tampa Bay and reliever Kevin Jepsen surrenders a two-run home run to Carlos Pena in a 10-8 loss.

2. Aug. 1: Leading 7-1 through four innings and 10-7 going to the bottom of the 10th inning against American League West-leading Texas, the Angels lose when the Rangers score four runs against Jason Isringhausen and closer Ernesto Frieri.

3. Aug. 8: A 10-game trip during which the bullpen has a 10.54 ERA is capped in Oakland when LaTroy Hawkins gives up five runs in two-thirds of an inning.

4. Aug. 5: A.J. Pierzynski rallies the Chicago White Sox from a 2-1 deficit by hitting a two-run home run against Isringhausen in the seventh inning.

5. Aug. 13: Even Cleveland, which was on a 3-13 skid, beats C.J. Wilson, whose winless slide dates to June 26. Wilson doesn’t pitch poorly, giving up two earned runs in 6 2/3 innings, but Hisanori Takahashi is charged with three runs without recording an out.

— Lance Pugmire