Angels Down Orioles With 9-Run Thirteenth

With the game tied at eight runs heading into the top of the thirteenth inning, the Angels needed just one run to put themselves in position to win and take their second game from Baltimore during the teams’ four-game set. Instead, they got nine runs over the course of one inning.

Playing in his first contest after missing 32 games with a groin injury, Torii Hunter led the charge for the Halos in the eventful 13th by driving in the game-winning run on a bases loaded bouncer up the middle. However, it wasn’t the only time Hunter put runs on the scoreboard for Los Angeles. The Arkansas native also had a sacrifice fly in the top of the first to finishing with 2 RBIs and 2 hits. But it was his thirteenth inning single that got the ball rolling, as the Halos followed his RBI single with eight more runs.

While the hitting was phenomenal on Sunday afternoon, the pitching left much to be desired. Angels starter Sean O’Sullivan pitched just four innings, allowing six runs and had to be relieved by Matt Palmer heading into the 6th inning. Palmer and Darren Oliver went on to pitch a combined 3.1 scoreless innings to take the Angels and a two run lead into the 8th. But the back end of the bullpen blew the narrow lead, forcing the game into extras. Fortunately for Scioscia and company, the bats took over and allowed the Angels to earn the victory.

Here are some additional thoughts:

• While Sunday’s game was exciting, it is not the kind of performance that equates to playoff success. On several occasions, the Angels built strong leads before their pitching allowed the Orioles to come back. You can let Baltimore back in, but not a solid playoff team like Boston or New York.
• It was nice to see Torii Hunter come up strong in he clutch. If he can play like he did in April, this team will be even tougher to beat.
• Chone Figgins is playing himself right into a new contract. As the Halos’ leadoff man, Figgy went 4-for-7 on the afternoon with 3 RBIs and 3 runs. It’s still hard to believe that he barely made the all-star team.