The Angels lost 2 disappointing game sin Chicago to begin the 3-game series. Now, they had to avoid the sweep the lower their magic number. As it turns out, they were able to hold on.

In a battle of lefties, Joe Saunders beat John Danks. Saunders was brilliant through 7 1/3 innings, giving up only two runs. John Danks managed 5 1/3 innings, also giving up 2 runs. Paul Konerko and Toby Hall had hit solo homers against Saunders for the Whit Sox this afternoon. The Angels used the small ball, with RBI’s from Vladimir Guerrero and Torii Hunter. So, the Angels would need to break the tie to get the lead for Francisco Rodriguez. They were able to, with a run in the 8th against Horacio Ramirez. Rodriguez, trying to redeem himself for blowing the save the previous night, was able to close it out. This inning included a couple of strikeouts. K-Rod is only 2 saves away from tying the single-season record, which is 57. Let’s see what the team had to say about K-Rod and this game:

Mike Scioscia: “That’s essential to what a closer needs to do. That page gets heavy — like cement. Time after time after a tough night he’s come back and been terrific.”

K-Rod: “I feel like I have 10,000 pounds on my shoulders. To break the record and clinch [the American League West title], take those 10,000 pounds off my shoulders on the same day … that would be nice.”

The Angels inched closer to clinching the AL West today, with their win. The team’s magic number is now 3.