ALCS
October 12th 2009 19:14
Well, the LA Angels broke the hex of the Boston Red Sox with a 3-game sweep of the Sox in the Divisional Round. Much was made of the Red Sox eliminating the Angels in the first round in 2004, 2007, and 2008, but the Angels made all of that look like ancient history with their performance during the last week. In Game 1, they dominated. In Game 2, they still won convincingly. Game 3 was a classic, Angels-style comeback win that was reminiscent of their remarkable run to the 2002 World Series. The Angels trailed 5-1 in the fourth inning...and won 7-6. Was this an Angels win or dare I say it...a Red Sox choke-job?
When you get 5 runs in the 8th and 9th innings combined, you beat the other team's bullpen and deserve credit for winning. Timely hitting and shutdown pitching in the first two games are what won this series for the Angels. In fact, playoff baseball is about timely hitting. Some will argue that overpowering and better pitching win in the playoffs, especially in a short series. Ask the St. Louis Cardinals and Chris Carpenter and Adam Wainwright how that worked out for them.
The Angels won this series. The Red Sox couldn't get the timely hits when they needed them. Tori Hunter's homer in Game 1? Pretty timely if you ask me. Now the Angels will face the mighty Yankees in an American League Championship Series that should be absolutely epic.
Oh and a side to Jonathan Papelbon - you try so hard to look all intimidating out there with your "game face." How did that work out for you on Sunday? I would suggest you lose the mean, scary face, close your mouth, and just get out there and pitch. At least then it would be a lot less embarrassing if you lose.
When you get 5 runs in the 8th and 9th innings combined, you beat the other team's bullpen and deserve credit for winning. Timely hitting and shutdown pitching in the first two games are what won this series for the Angels. In fact, playoff baseball is about timely hitting. Some will argue that overpowering and better pitching win in the playoffs, especially in a short series. Ask the St. Louis Cardinals and Chris Carpenter and Adam Wainwright how that worked out for them.
The Angels won this series. The Red Sox couldn't get the timely hits when they needed them. Tori Hunter's homer in Game 1? Pretty timely if you ask me. Now the Angels will face the mighty Yankees in an American League Championship Series that should be absolutely epic.
Oh and a side to Jonathan Papelbon - you try so hard to look all intimidating out there with your "game face." How did that work out for you on Sunday? I would suggest you lose the mean, scary face, close your mouth, and just get out there and pitch. At least then it would be a lot less embarrassing if you lose.
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