Los Angeles Angels steal 9-7 victory against Kansas City Royals as Kendrys Morales steps up - MLB
Pinch hitter Kendrys Morales and right fielder Torii Hunter help the Los Angeles Angels steal a 9-7 victory against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri on September 14, 2012 in the first game of the three match series.
Angels were the underdogs from the beginning as they saw the Royals managing a reasonable lead in a span of first three innings. The situation demanded immediate response from the Angels because otherwise under pressure it was to become extremely difficult
for them to bounce back late in the innings.
They slammed four runs in the fourth inning, going past the Royals as a result. Thereafter, it became the matter of how well their pitchers survive during the penultimate innings.
To their disappointment, one of the relievers namely Garrett Richards allowed Royals to launch a counter-attack. He brought them close to pulling off a victory.
Thanks to the timely power shown by their batters, Angels settled down quickly as they posted three runs in the eighth.
C.J. Wilson gave up four runs while starting for the Angels in five innings.
Jordan Walden earned the win as he restricted the flow of runs at a time when Royals were about to run away with the victory.
Offensively, Hunter managed one hit in three at-bats for the Angels. Similarly Morales smacked a two-run homer during the crucial juncture of the game.
Morales comments on the decisive home-run that he thrashed in the game. He unleashed power just when it was needed by the team.
"That situation called for being aggressive," Morales said. "That was like a new breath of fresh air for the team."
Angels’ manager Mike Scioscia also acknowledged the contribution of Morales in the game.
"He's got power from both sides," Mike Scioscia said. "He's strong. There's no doubt he can drive the ball from the right side. This year it's really clear that any opposing manager wants to get him on the right side. It's the right move to make and fortunately
he came through."
The momentum gained from this game will be employed by the Angels in the next two matches. They will be looking to see their pitchers putting up solid innings on the mound next time.
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