LA Angels get help from unexpected sources to earn series split

With the LA Angels reeling losing six of their last seven games going into the final game of a 2-game series against Arizona.  With injuries causing the Angels to use players they normally wouldn’t.  These players came through in a big way to win and earn a split.

The LA Angels sent converted reliever Felix Pena to the mound in hopes of catching lightning in a bottle. For Pena it was his first career major league start.  He pitched four strong innings allowing only one run on two hits with six strikeouts and thre walks. Although Pena did not get the victory he should an assist for sure.

The Angels got a lead-off homer from Ian Kinsler to tie the game after had given up his only run in the top of the first inning.  Arizona took a 2-1 lead in the top of the fifth with a run off of Jose Alvarez.  The Angels struck back quickly as Mike Trout delivered a bases-clearing single to take a 4-2 lead.  Kole Calhoun hit his first homer since the first game of the season to extend the lead to 5-2.

Cam Bedrosian came in and pitched an inning and two-thirds of scoreless relief with two strikeouts. Justin Anderson finished the inning off with a strikeout of David Peralta to end the top of the 7th inning.

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Blake Parker shook off his Sunday blown save to pitch the final two innings with four strike outs to pick up his eighth save of the season.

With guys like Calhoun who has struggled, coming through, the sky is truly the limit.  Another unsung hero was the pitching of Felix Pena and relief work of Cam Bedrosian. Pena for his first start ever performed admirably.  Bedrosian also pitched well in relief to preserve a 5-2 lead.

Blake Parker’s two inning save also deserves credit as well.  In addition rookie David Fletcher went two for four with a run scored to raise his batting average to .385 is also worthy of mentioning.

Next: Should Angels go after a closer at all costs?

Can the Angels keep it up this weekend as they take on Toronto in a four-game series will be very important for them to get back into the race for the playoffs.