This is a weird time of the season. Over the course of today I was routing for the Red Sox, Yankees and Mariners. This is the kind of thing that makes a Halo fan break out in hives. But in order for the Angels to make the playoffs, we all have to get a little dirty with our set of bedfellows. But non of it matters if the Angels don't take care of their own business. Tonight, they kept up up their end of the bargain and got some Yankee help to pull within 2 1/12 games from the wildcard. Things are getting stranger by the minute.
Game Notes
— Finally, Albert Pujols does something in the clutch. His double in the first got the Angels on the board, which has been a key part of any Angel win. I cannot state how important Albert will be in the last two weeks. This is the time when big time players are supposed to deliver.
— At some point, the Angel's base running brain cramps are going to rear their head at the wrong time. I just hope it doesn't cost them dearly.
— Additionally, their LOBster effect is also a potential season ender. At one point the bases where loaded with one out and the they got nothing for it. When you have a chance to step on the other team's throat you have to. Letting good teams hang around is never a recipe for success.
— Glad to see Ernesto Frieri get back on the beam with a solid ninth inning. After a couple really rough outings, Ernasty was a strong presence on the hill and shut the door on a White Sox rally.
Halo Hero
This was the epitome of a team win so the Halo Hero goes to the whole team. Starting Pitching (Dan Haren with 6 strong), Check. Shutdown Bullpen work (Richards, Downs, Frieri), Check. Timely hitting, Check. Quality defense, Check.
Team, team, team. This is what they will need to do the rest of the way.
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