The average labor length for a third child is about 5 hours. That's how long it took the Angels to squeeze out a win in Game 3 of the ALDS last night in Boston. It was their first postseason win against the Red Sox in 11 straight attempts. The Halos avoid the sweep and now trail in the series 2-1.
Powered by two monster home runs by catcher Mike Napoli in the 3rd and 5th innings off of starter Josh Beckett, the Angels offense looked sharp. The posted 16 hits in 12 innings of play, so why was it so close? Well, the defense looked like a Three Stooges revival at times. Center fielder Torii Hunter ($90 mil/5yrs.) failed to call off a routine fly ball to shallow center, causing confusion and resulting in a three-run single for Jacoby Ellsbury. Take away that play, and the Angels most likely win in 9 innings.
In the end it was Scioscia's brand of small ball that manufactured a run in the top of the 12th. Napoli hit an 0-2 single and Howie Kendrick punched a textbook sacrifice bunt to advance the runner. Erik Aybar, hitless in 13 AB's this series, lofted a pretty little basehit into center, plating Napoli. Jered Weaver, in his first relief appearance since his time at Simi Valley High School, shut down the BoSox after a lead-off walk to David Ortiz. So what happens next?
The pressure is definitely on, but it's on the Red Sox now. They can't afford to lose another and head back to Anaheim with the momentum on the Angels' side. The Angels just can't afford to lose at all if they want to keep any hope alive for another championship. The possibility of a Freeway World Series is still hovering out there also.
Tonight, John Lackey takes the mound against Game 1 winner Jon Lester. The last time Lackey stood on Fenway's rubber he threw 8 2/3 innings of hitless baseball. With the way the Angels have been hitting, they probably don't need a brilliant night from Big John, but it wouldn't hurt. This is going to be a good one. Game time is 5:37 on TBS.
source:laist.com
