The Los Angeles Angels were hoping to make an impression against their first-place rivals the Texas Rangers and they have done just that. After a 3-2 victory on Saturday night, the Halos have taken the first two games of this series against the current leaders in the American League West.
The Angels scored their first run in this bizarre game in the bottom of the sixth inning, as Albert Pujols scored on a fielding error by third baseman Adrian Beltre. The Rangers tied things up in the top of the seventh on a David Murphy sacrifice fly.
The Angels went ahead in the bottom of the seventh inning on an RBI single by Alberto Callaspo, then went ahead 3-1 on a sacrifice fly by Kendrys Morales to right field that scored Mike Trout. The throw from right fielder Nelson Cruz and tag by catcher Yorvit Torrealba resulted in a bang-bang play that even replays showed inconclusive. Trout was called safe and Torrealba went ballistic and was immediately tossed from the game.
The Rangers cut the Angels lead to 3-2 in the top of the eighth. As Michael Young singled to right field and Elvis Andrus was going first-to-third, Torii Hunter made an ill-advised throw to third that skipped into the crowd, allowing Andrus to score.That was as close as the Rangers would get, however.
The game was hardly terrific baseball, as the two teams combined for four errors in the game (three by Texas). The two starting pitchers were terrific, however. Yu Darvish went 6.1 innings for the Rangers and was charged with two earned runs on five hits and three walks, while striking out seven. C.J. Wilson went six innings for the Angels, giving up no runs on five hits and three walks, while striking out five.
Ernesto Frieri continued his lights-out performance, pitching a four-out save that included three strikeouts. Frieri allowed the bases to be loaded for Josh Hamilton, but he struck out Hamilton on three pitches to end the game.
For all news and information regarding the Los Angeles Angels, please visit Halos Heaven. For updates and perspective on the Texas Rangers, head on over to Lone Star Ball or check out SB Nation Dallas.
