The Angels are known for their pitching. Before Sunday afternoon’s game with the Jays, it was announced that three pitchers on the Angels were heading to New York for the All Star Game; Ervin Santana, Joe Saunders, and Frankie Rodrigues, who needs just one more save to beat the all time record. He didn’t get that chance today, though, as Jon Garland got his 8th victory of the season and his 100th career win the long way, by pitching a complete game and holding the Blue Jays’ offense to one run on a homer by Rod Barajas. He gave up a couple lead off doubles, but got out of trouble every time and kept the Angels ahead.

The offense for the Angels backed him up, scoring 7 runs for the final score of 7-1. Mathis had a good game, droving in three runs with two singles. Garret Anderson also got hot, delivering a two-run double and Juan Rivera smoked a solo homer to center field, despite the fact that Toronto outfielder Vernon Wells gave good chase. Relief pitcher Brandon League helped them out, throwing a wild pitch with the bases loaded to score another run in the three-RBI inning. Not only does the series win improve the Angels’ record, it also shows how they’ve improved their offense and gotten out of the long, offensive drought that was affecting everyone. They hope to continue this streak as they head out on the road for a four game series in Texas and a three game series in Oakland after that. In the past five games, they’ve won four and scored 32 runs.
 

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I am getting the opportunity to go see the opening game against the Athletics next Saturday to see the Angels on the road first hand. Hopefully they’ll win so I’m not the butt of all the A’s fans jeers. I’ll post the pictures on this post after that game.