It’s not often a relief pitcher has to be put in before the fifth in terms of the Angels (who are usually known for their superb pitching staff). But Jared Weaver got off to a rocky start this time, leaving in only the third inning with back stiffness after giving up two runs on four hits.

Now it was the bullpen’s time to shine. You could have just started Oliver in this game, as he was put in in the third and pitched a few scoreless innings. Then Jose Arredondo and Scot Shields helped out Weaver by containing the Indians offense and giving Frankie an opportunity to get the save. All in all, the Angel relief pitchers combined for six scoreless shutout innings after the third. That was what the doctor ordered in this one.

“You could tell he didn’t have his best stuff, but I didn’t really know he was hurt in the third inning,” Mathis said. “I could tell he wasn’t as sharp.” Jeff Mathis on the other hand, the guy normally ”behind the scenes” had a great night, as well, doing just about everything possible. He caught five different pitchers, threwout a would-be base stealer, stole a base (and let’s face it, he’s not known for speed), and knocked in two deciding runs for the Angels, one on his seventh homerun of the season. 

The Angels win with the final score of 3-2 over the Indians. They are set to face them for the final game of the series tomorrow.