Post-Game Report: Angels v. Athletics (9/17/08)
The Angels were spectacular defensively before allowing two errors and runs in the ninth.
With the playoffs just a little under two weeks away, Wednesday night’s performance wasn’t what Mike Scioscia was hoping to see from a defense that is regarded as one of the best in baseball. The Angels committed two throwing errors during the ninth inning that allowed the tying and winning runs to score in a 3-2 loss to the Athletics.
The Angels got off to a solid start as pitchers Jered Weaver and Darren Oliver allowed just one run heading into the ninth. With the single-season saves record holder Francisco Rodriguez stepping onto the mound for the final inning, a victory seemed increasingly likely.
However, the inning did go as planned. Oakland first baseman Daric Barton singled to start the rally and eventually reached second when Gary Matthews Jr. threw wildly back to the infield. Jack Hannahan followed Barton’s at-bat with a four-pitch walk. With runners on first and second Cliff Pennington hit a high chopper for an infield single that Rodriguez was able to field cleanly. However, the record-setting closer made a wild throw past first base, allowing both runners to score easily.
Despite an incredibly frustrating defeat, here are Wednesday’s best and worst…
Top Three Angels Performers:
1) Pitchers Jered Weaver and Darren Oliverdid an excellent job of positioning the Angels for a victory, despite the fact that the offense scored just two runs. Weaver struck out eight batters over six innings and allowed just one run on six hits. Oliver pitched the seventh and eight innings, as he struck out three and gave up no hits.
2) Wednesday was another indication that Mark Teixeira, not Francisco Rodriguez should be the Angels’ highest priority this offseason. Teixeira went 3-for-4 and his 2 run home run in the top of the ninth gave the Angels a 2-1 lead.
3) Garret Anderson was solid, but nothing spectacular Wednesday night. Anderson went 1-for-4 and scored a run when Teixeira hit a home run in the ninth.
Jeff Weaver of the Game: While he may be the single-season saves record holder, Rodriguez’s blown save on Wednesday was his seventh of the 2008 season. He put two runners on base, who eventually when he made a costly throwing error.
Play of the game: Mark Teixeira’s two run home run in the top of the ninth gave the Angels a 2-1 lead over the A’s.
What to look for next game: Joe Saunders take the mound against an Athletics team that has given him fits this season. In three outings against Oakland’ Saunders is 2-1 with a 4.60 ERA. A victory would give the Angels another series win and position themselves for home field advantage throughout the playoffs.
Next Game: Thursday, 12:35 p.m. (FSN)
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