Posted 1:23 PM by Sean
The Angels won a close one against the Red Sox last night, courtesy of an impressive, reach-over-the-wall defensive play by Jeff DaVanon in center field to rob Trot Nixon of a game-tying home run (and preserve Brandon Donnelly's 0.00 ERA, which should really be getting more press at this point in the season). And, though I didn't hear anyone mention it, Troy Percival redeemed himself for his last appearance against the Red Sox, in which he blew a save in Boston, and a 9-5 Anaheim lead in the 9th inning turned into a 10-9, 10-inning Red Sox victory. That loss was the difference between a 3-1 series victory and a 2-2 split, and dropped the Angels a half-game behind Seattle in the wild-card race, keeping the Red Sox two and a half behind Anaheim. It probably didn't even enter Percival's mind, but that's sure what I was thinking about while listening to him slam the door last night.

Right now, the Angels are down 2-0 in the bottom of the 4th. Washburn's picthing well, but the Sox have been efficient, scoring their two runs on the strength of just three hits. The Halos also have three hits, but have also hit into a couple of double plays. Lowe's thrown just 42 pitches so far, so he'll probably be in the game for a while yet unless the Angels can break through. Wacky defensive alignment of the day: Spiezio is in right, his 13th appearance at that position in his major league career. I can't say it enough: this team needs Darin Erstad back.