On Sunday, the Los Angeles Angels hosted the final game of a three-game series against the Baltimore Orioles. The Angels had already secured their first 2012 series win by taking the first two games and were going for the sweep. Starter Dan Haren pitched a great game but once again took a no decision as the Halos bullpen was once again the weak link in a 3-2 loss.
Alberto Callaspo put the Angels on the board in the fourth inning, with a two-out bloop single that brought Vernon Wells home for the 1-0 Halos lead. The score would remain that way until the eighth inning.
Scott Downs came in to relieve Haren in the top of the eighth with two on and one out. A single loaded the bases, but a ground ball back to Downs provided the second out, but Nick Markakis singled through the left side to plate two runs and give Baltimore a 2-1 lead, with both runs charged to Haren and putting him on the hook for his second loss of the year. Haren went 7.1 innings, giving up six hits and just one walk while striking out nine.
Luckily for Haren, Howie Kendrick launched a solo homer in the bottom of the eighth, ensuring that Haren would, at the very least, not be charged with a loss. The game remained 2-2 through the bottom of the ninth inning and headed to extras.
LaTroy Hawkins pitched the top of the 10th inning for the Angels. He walked Robert Andino to lead off the inning, who was then bunted over to second base. Andino went to third base on a groundout and came home with the go-ahead run when Kendrick couldn't come up with a Markakis grounder up the middle.
Jim Johnson came in to pitch for Baltimore in the bottom of the ninth and gave up a one-out double to pinch-hitter Kendrys Morales. Bobby Abreu went in to pinch run for Morales and advanced to third base on an Aybar fly ball to right field. Kendrick struck out swinging to seal the win for the Orioles.
For more on the Angels, make sure that you check out Halos Heaven. Orioles Fan? We got you covered over at Camden Chat.
