The Angels clinched their series with a 4-2 win over the Yankees….Even more, they clinched the AL West, the earliest to do so in franchise history, even without the usual Chone Figgins (sore elbow), Mark Teixeira (fever), and Torii Hunter (suspended for two games for fight with Ivan Rodriguez).
The Yankees put up an early 2-0 lead in the first, but the Angels cut their lead to one in the bottom half. They then took the lead with three runs in the fifth, with Gary Matthews Jr., Garret Anderson, and Vlad all singling to load the bases. The bases were still loaded two outs later, and Robb Quinlan drove a single for two runs before Vlad scored the third on a throwing error.
Dustin Moseley picked up the win, having four shutout innings after giving up two runs in the first. He gave up just three hits and had six K’s. Jepsen, Arrendondo, and Sheilds all tossed an inning for holds before K-Rod picked up his 56th save to move within two of breaking the record.
With the division title under their belt, the Angels host the Mariners for a four-game series beginning tomorrow. Jered Weaver will finally get his turn in the rotation after cutting his hand in the Detroit dugout last week. He hasn’t made a start since August 30 and is winless since August 8. He fill face Brandon Morrow, who is 2-2 with a 1.42. The Angels are 14-5 in their last 19 games hosting the Mariners in LA.
