It was the greatest regular season in Angels’ history. It was the only year in Angels’ history that they reached triple digits in victories. Not only did they wrap up their fourth divisional title in five years, they won it by a team record 21 games. They clinched the title on 09/10/08 , becoming the fifth fastest team in Major League history, by date, to clinch a division in a 162-game season.
By the end of the season, the only regular season goal that remained was to secure win #100. Joe Saunders started for the Angels, going for his 17th win. He pitched brilliantly, going six innings while holding the Rangers scoreless on only two hits.
The Angel bats, on the other hand, pounded away at Texas Napoli doubled the lead with a solo home run to left-center. In the sixth, Juan Rivera scored on Matthews single to right. Napoli then drove in Howie Kendrick and Matthews with another double. In the eighth, Reggie Willits drove in Sean Rodriguez with a sacrifice fly. Matthews then scored again on Kendry Morales’s bases loaded walk. Scot Shields closed out the game by striking out the side in the ninth – a 7-0 win for #100.
For icing on the cake, it was the first time in Angels’ history that the Halos finished the regular season with the Major League’s best record!
The atmosphere at that game was rivalled only by a playoff experience. It was a party from the minute the parking lot opened and carried well past the final out. Out in section 236 & the Budweiser patio,( and I'm sure stadium wide) everyone was a brother and sister in the Angels fan family. How could we have not expected to roll the arch rival Red Sox...unfortunately such a feat would have to wait, yet again...but not long.
ReplyDeleteAzhalofan
Aka
Kevin
It would have been fun to be there. Unfortunately, I've only witnessed one of these moments in person. Many others I watched on TV or listened to on the radio.
ReplyDelete