Game 33: Angels 5, Red Sox 4

I know it’s just May and there are still many months remaining in the regular season, but nonetheless, it still feels pretty darn good to beat those guys from Boston. There’s no way around. I can’t stand the Red Sox organization, players, and fans. The fact that the Sox have knocked the Angels out of the playoffs the past two years has not enabled them to gain favor in my book either. So, when the teams meet up in the playoffs, it has that October feel with both teams atop their respective divisions. And this afternoon was no different, as the Angels edged the Red Sox 5-4 in 12 innings.

In his first start of the season, 2008 all-star Ervin Santana looked quite average, as he allowed three runs over the course of five innings. But, it was the bullpen that came the Angels in the game. Over the next six innings, the Angels’ bullpen, which ranks last in all of baseball, allowed just one run and struck out nine Boston batters.

Juan Rivera led off the 12th inning with a single against, and pinch-runner Reggie Willits advanced to second on Erick Aybar’s sacrifice. Willits was able to score the winning run when Jeff Mathis lined a 1-1 pitch to left-center field.

Here are some thoughts from the game

• Can we now say the bullpen is fixed? This is essentially the same bullpen that was atop the majors a year ago, but so far this season, they have struggled mightily. Is this the game they’re going to turn the corner? I’m not sure, especially since I said the same thing about Sunday’s game.
• Ervin Santana will be fine. He didn’t blow the doors off in his debut this afternoon, but he looked relatively at ease over the course of 5 innings. I think it was a rather encouraging first start.
• Torii Hunter deserves serious consideration for the A.L. MVP. He has led the Angels to 18 wins, while the team has underwent numerous injuries and a tragic death to one of their young pitchers. His leadership in the clubhouse has been invaluable. Oh, and his numbers haven’t been too bad either. So far, he has a .308 BA, 9 home runs, and 24 RBIs.