Post-Game Report: Angels v. Indians (7/22/08)

This was your typical Angel game, with great pitching followed by good enough hitting, as Francisco Rodriguez earned his 41st save of the season to give the Halos a 3-2 victory over the Cleveland Indians.

Angels right-handed starter Jered Weaver making his first start since July 9, threw just 77 pitches and allowed two runs over three innings before leaving with tightness in the middle of his back. In relief, left-hander Darren Oliver allowed one hit in 2 2-3 innings to earn the victory. Who said the Angels needed to trade for a left-handed reliever?

With the game tied at two heading into the fifth inning, the Angels got some offensive firepower from the most unlikely source. Jeff Mathis, who is batting just .211 and was in a 5-33 slump, hit the go-ahead home run against the Indians’ Matt Ginter. The Angels, now holding a slim 3-2, were fortunate enough to have such a great bullpen. After Oliver left the game in the sixth, Jose Arredondo and Scot Shields pitched 2 1-3 scoreless innings before handing the ball to K-Rod, who recorded the save.

So, the top 3 performers of the night are…

Top 3 Angel performers

1) Jeff Mathisis more often that not receiving the Jeff Weaver of the Day, as it is quite typical to find the young catcher going hittles on any given night. However, Mathis had one of his best performances of the season, as he went 1-3 with a home run and 2 RBIs. In addition to his solid work at the plate, Mathis also threw out his first baserunner since early June.

2) Reggie Willits had a nice performance filling in for Torii Hunter, who is caring for a sick grandmother in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Willits went 2-3 with an RBI single in the bottom of the second.

3) With Jered Weaver leaving after just three innings pitched, the Angels were fotunate to have Darren Oliver pitch so well in relief. Oliver allowed just one hit with zero earned runs over 2 2-3 innings.

Angels Jeff Weaver of the Day (Note: JTD denotes the Angel that played the poorest): I’m always a little tougher on leadoff hitters than guys who bat in the eighth or ninth holes. Chone Figgins, who was batting leadoff, went 0-4 on a night in which the Angels managed just three runs.

Play of the Game: Jeff Mathis’s home run in the fifth gave the Angels the lead for good, and it was also refreshing to see Mathis finally start hitting the ball well.

What to look for next game: The Angels will go for the win in this rare day game, as they send John Lackey to the mound. It will be interesting to watch Big John, as he has struggled over the past couple games.

Game is Wednesday @ 12:35 PM (FSN)

PhotoCredit: Yahoo Sports