Los Angeles Angels come from behind to defeat Los Angeles Dodgers 3-1 – MLB Update
The Los Angeles Angels fought hard to come from behind and overpower state rivals Los Angeles Dodgers 3-1 for the second-straight triumph in two nights at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on Sunday, July 3, to take a three-game series 2-1.
After receiving a shut-out in the first outing 5-0, the Angels made a perfect rebound as they first defeated their rivals 7-1 in the second game and now they again held the Dodgers to 3-1. Their starter Ervin Santana out-performed his rival Chad Billingsley.
Santana held the Dodgers’ batting line-up to no-score until he allowed a scoreless tie breaking single to the Dodgers’ James Loney in the sixth inning. He then struck back and completed his seven innings spell taking eight batters and allowing six hits to
earn his fourth win of the season. This win has improved his record to 4-8 with 3.89 ERA.
As the Angels have gone under one run deficit in the sixth inning, they made some extra effort in the seventh to surpass this lead. Vernon Wells grounded out to second base allowing Bobby Abreu to score a tying run in this inning. With Howard Kendrick on
second base, Russell Branyan launched a devastating 436-feet long two-run homer off the Billingsley’s sinker pitch.
The Angels’ reliever Scott downs and Brian Wilson tossed a perfect ninth inning to not only earn his 19th save but also take his club into their 44th win in 2011. It was also the Angels second straight 2-1 series win over the Los Angeles
Dodgers.
Before allowing three runs in the seventh inning, Billingsley was pitching impressive sinkers and fastballs. He had given just one hit before the seventh inning and walked none while he has taken six batters. He was sure to earn his eighth win but he failed
to break his 7-7 record with a 4.15 ERA this season.
After getting this win, the Angels have gained back their momentum that will help them in their next three-game series against the Detroit Tigers. Both teams will face each other for the interleague-series for the first time in this season. The Angels have
a good chance to take this series as compared to the struggling Tigers, who are coming off a 2-1 loss to the defending World Series champions San Francisco Giants.
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