The Angels remarkable season is winding down, as their magic number to clinch the AL West is down to nine. The team still is playing well, as they have just recently taken the first 3 games of the series against Texas at Angel Stadium. Here are the recaps:
Game One: The Angels came back to beat the Rangers 7-5 even after Texas had jumped on Jon Garland for 4 runs in the top of the first. Milton Bradley and Chris Davis homered for the Rangers. The Halos exploded for a 5-run 8th against the Rangers bullpen; this inning included a clutch, bases-clearing double from Juan Rivera.
“We saw the Rally Monkey come out,” Rivera said through a translator. “I knew something would happen then.”
Francisco Rodriguez got his 51st save in this one. Mark Teixeira also homered in the winner.
Game 2: This one was more of a pitcher’s duel. Ervin Santana was incredibly strong on the mound, allowing only one run over 8 innings in the Angels 3-1 victory. Garett Anderson, who batted second for the first time in 9 years, launched a 2-run shot as the Angels put up a 3-spot in the 6th inning. Torii Hunter might have saved the game though. With the tying run at the plate and Ervin Santana still going strong in the 7th, Marlon Byrd drove a shot toward the wall in center field. Hunter went up and over the wall to bring back what would have been the tying home run. Hunter saved the game, but K-Rod got credit for the actual save. 3-1 Angels final.
Game 3: On Saturday night, the Angels squeaked by the Rangers for their third win in a row over their rivals from Texas. Jered Weaver pitched a good game, but unfortunately went only 5 innings and recieved a no decision for his effort. Scott Feldman pitched well for the Rangers, but gave up all 4 of the Angels runs and lost. The Halos played small ball and just got by as they won, 4-3. Torii Hunter, who has had an amazing series defensively, took away another go-ahead homer, as Hank Blalock was robbed. The sellout crowd watched Francisco Rodriguez get another save, his 53rd, 4 away from tying the single-season record.
