Mike Scioscia and the Anaheim Angels wrapped up the AL West title after an 11-0 romping of the Texas Rangers Monday night. The Angels won a lopsided game behind an invigorating Ervin Santana. The five-year Angel hurler helped the home team take their fifth division crown in six years with a complete game seven-hit shutout. The 92-64 Anaheim ballclub will open a first round best-of-five playoff series in California next week. Their opponent will be the AL wildcard winner. Boston is the heavy favorite and needs only one win or a Texas loss to earn a spot into the playoffs.
Kendry Morales, who clubbed just three longballs a year ago, smacked his 33rd of 2009. The first baseman drove in three runs, and was aided by outfield All-star, Vladimir Guerrero, on offense. Rookie flamethrower, Tommy Hunter, struggled to keep the home team off the bases. The Alabama native suffered the shortest start of his promising career. Maicer Izturis stroked three hits. Guerrero and Erick Aybar drove in a pair of runs apiece and Bobby Abreu also a three-hit night. Izturis keyed a three-run third inning with his two-run single. Abreu tripled and scored in the fourth. Hunter allowed seven hits and just as many runs in just 2 ½ frames. The Rangers’ relief effort was just as dismal. Dustin Nippert and Jason Grilli each gave up a run. Doug Mathis was of little support, permitting two runs in just one inning. Texas’s shoddy defense committed three errors that led to two unearned Angel runs. Conversely, Anaheim sparkled defensively and got an outstanding effort from their starting pitcher. The AL West Champions are 14-12 in September, and averaging only 4.2 runs per game. It is important they gain momentum heading into the final six games of the regular season. The offense racked up 12 hits against their division rivals. The bats were alive and the Angels used their gloves to smother Texas’ wildcard hopes.
The West was the Angels to win, and they were not going to be denied on this Monday night in front of their excited fans. After the division-clinching contest, the Angels formed a mob around the winning pitcher. They returned to the field after a short celebration to honor their deceased teammate, Nick Adenhart. The players reverently touched Adenhart’s #34 in the outfield and held up his jersey. The
bittersweet title was well-deserving. The Angels every year seem to differentiate themselves from the pack. They are a vastly underrated team as of late, and really have blossomed into a dominant franchise. What began as a doleful season may end in a World Series splash.
Parting points: It’s pre-season hockey time already? Cool.
What has gotten into those Minnesota Twins? They always find a way it seems.
“Don’t be surprised if I fall head over feet”-Alanis
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment