Angels Dominate Tigers Thanks to an Eight Run Fifth

When the Detroit Tigers came to Anaheim in May, the series was billed as a battle between two of the top offenses in the American League. The Angels then proceeded to stomp/pummel/man-handle/ run over with a truck, back up, and do it again to the Tigers. Out scoring the Motor City Cats 36-9 in the process.

Tonight, the Angels picked up right where they left off. And against Rick Porcello no less.

Every Angels starter got a hit. Five tallied two hits. Josh Hamilton and J.B. Shuck notched three apiece, the latter of which drove in four runs.

The majority of the Angels runs came in a wild fifth inning where they sent 12 men to the plate, scored eight runs on seven hits, and caused me to pass out twice from excitement. Five of the eight runs were driven in on run scoring singles from Howie Kendrick, J.B. Shuck, Mike Trout, Josh Hamilton and Albert Pujols. A bases loaded walk to Hank Conger, an Erick Aybar sacrifice fly and an errant pickoff throw led to the other three runs.

June 25, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Los Angeles Angels right fielder Josh Hamilton (32) and third baseman Alberto Callaspo (6) congratulate each other after scoring in the eighth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Los Angeles won 14-8. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

It’s a good thing the Angels offense showed up and the Tigers defense took the night off (six errors), because Angels pitching was not in top form. C.J. Wilson allowed five runs in five innings and Garret Richards allowed three runs in two and a thirds innings. Michael Kohn again threw up a zero, and Billy Buckner got the last two outs (after his own bases loaded walk) to close the door on this slugfest.

It’s a shame the Angels can’t face Porcello every night, but they’ll have to make due when Tommy Hanson takes on Jose Alvarez in the second game of this three game set. Game time is at 5:08 PST. Light up the halo, this team’s offense is still exciting, and its going to have to continue to be exciting if the Halos are still entertaining thoughts of making the playoffs.