Angels fans enraged by Phil Nevin's bullpen mismanagement after relievers give up another vs Guardians: "Must answer for his war crimes"

Los Angeles Angels fans hit out at Phil Nevin's bullpen management after the team lost 4-3 to the Cleveland Guardians in Game 3 of their series. The Guardians won the game thanks to Josh Naylor's go-ahead homer in the eighth, making it his third consecutive home run in the eighth inning of the series.

The Angels came into the game with low morale after losing the previous contest in which they conceded six runs in the eighth in an 8-6 loss, with Naylor hitting a go-ahead three-run homer.

On Saturday night, not much changed as Naylor's three-run dinger against Carlos Estevez made him the first player since 1961 to hit a go-ahead home run in the eighth inning or later in three straight games in baseball history.

Phil Nevin received further criticism from fans for intentionally walking Jose Ramirez, the batter before Naylor.

Fans were unhappy with Nevin's tactics and blasted him on social media.

Phil Nevin explains he had his "best" against Naylor

Phil Nevin elaborated on his tactics after the game, stating that the walk for Jose Ramirez was intentional as he didn't want to lose to him. As for Naylor, he had his best relievers pitching to him.

“I’m not going to let José Ramírez beat me,” Nevin explained. "I said that before the series started, and I had my best against (Naylor) with where we’re at right there. I felt good about the matchup. He just got into another one.”

Nevin has plenty of things to sort out if he is to continue as the team's skipper. The Angels are currently third in the AL West division with a 21-20 record.