Post-Game Report: Angels vs. White Sox (9/6/08)

As Angels’ broadcaster Rory Markus said, it felt like a playoff game tonight in Chicago. If this game is any indication of how the Angels will perform this October, things may get interesting for the Halos. The game went back-and-forth all night, but in the end, it was the White Sox who would prevail on a monster walk-off solo home run from Jim Thome in the 15th inning. The final score was 7-6 in favor of the White Sox.

Justin Speier was pegged with his 8th loss of the season, and normally-solid closer Francisco Rodriguez blew his 6th save of the year.

Starting pitcher John Lackey was hit pretty hard again on Saturday, giving up 5 runs on 9 hits in 7 innings of work. Lackey gave up two home runs and struck out just 4 batters. On the bright side for the Angels, recently called-up reliever Jason Bulger looked masterful on the mound in his three innings of work, Jose Arredondo was solid, and Scot Shields was able to work out of a tough jam during his time on the mound. Bulger, the closer for triple-A Salt Lake, pitched the 12th, 13th and 14th innings and had 5 strikeouts.

On the offensive side of the game, the Halos had a few bright spots, but mostly the same frustrations. Mike Napoli, Juan Rivera, Chone Figgins and Brandon Wood all connected for huge home runs – Wood’s being a go-ahead homer in the top of the 9th. However, the Angels only had 3 men collect more than one hit, and the team had just 3 hits during the extra frames.

Here are Saturday’s best…

Top Three Angels Performers:

1) I’m giving the top spot to reliever Jason Bulger. Bulger, who was recalled today from triple-A Salt Lake, pitched incredibly well with the game on the line. He went three perfect innings – all extra frames – and had 5 strikeouts.

2) Starting left fielder Juan Rivera contributed offensively on Saturday night, going 1-4 with a 2-run home run. Rivera is now hitting .240 with 11 home runs on the year.

3) I’ve got to give the nod to another pitcher, and that man is reliever Jose Arredondo. Arredondo continued to show why he’s a candidate to be next year’s closer, as pitched a scoreless 8th inning while striking out two.

Jeff Weaver of the Game: This is an easy call: Justin Speier. Speier continued his rough year, giving up a monstrous walk-off home run to White Sox DH Jim Thome.

Play of the Game: We’re going to go a little out of the ordinary here… Chone Figgins connected for his first home run of the year in the top of the third inning. Figgins’ tater tied the score at 2.

What to look for next game: Solid lefty Joe Saunders will take the hill for the Angels on Sunday, and he’ll be facing White Sox rookie Clayton Richards. Saunders will be looking to improve on his last few starts and tie Ervin Santana for the team lead in wins. Keep an eye on youngster Brandon Wood… I know I’ve made a call on him before, but after his home run on Saturday, he looks like he’s ready to put up some good power numbers.

Next Game: Sunday, 11:05 AM (KCOP, TBS)

(Photo credit: ESPN)