For the eighth time this season, the Angels went extra innings. Although they’ve managed just 3 wins against four losses in extra frames, tonight Torii Hunter drove a bases loaded single to left to win it for the Halos in the eleventh. Prior to Hunter’s game-winner, Indian reliever Justin Germano (0-1) gave up singles to Erick Aybar, Bobby Abreu, and Maicer Izturis without recording an out.
Angels rookie starter Tyler Chatwood went 8 innings, allowing just 2 hits and one run, while striking out 5 and walking 5. The 111-pitch performance was the longest outing in Chatwood’s career. The Angel bullpen pitched 3 scoreless innings, with Fernando Rodney (1-1) getting the win after pitching a perfect 11th.
The Angels tied the score in the 6th when Maicer Izturis doubled to right scoring Bobby Abreu from first base. Abreu, Aybar, and Alberto Callaspo each collected three hits, while Alexi Amarista, making his first career start in left field made a leaping, over the shoulder catch in the 8th robbing Shin-Soo Choo of extra bases.
The win gives the Angels a 2-game lead over the Rangers and A’s in the AL West.