Maybe it was the unseasonably cool late July weather in
Moments after
Baltimore (59-46) improved to 12-3 in extra-inning games and maintained its 2 1/2-game lead over Toronto in the
And if these teams were to meet in a playoff series? Well, baseball could do a whole lot worse.
The Angels have a potent, star-studded offense led by
The Orioles boast stars of their own, including
Both teams have capable rotations, but what could really add intrigue to a playoff series is the dominance of their bullpens, which was on display Tuesday night, when the relief corps turned a slugfest — the Orioles led, 6-5, through five innings — into a pitcher's duel.
Five Angels relievers — Mike Morin,
Six Orioles relievers —
The Angels and Orioles have played four games this season; two have been decided by two runs, both 4-2 Orioles wins, and two were decided by one, a 3-2 Angels win and Baltimore's win Tuesday.
"These are the types of games you're going to see in October," said Angels second baseman
"It will come down to who gets it done with runners in scoring position, who makes the least amount of mistakes, who gets the timely hits."
The Angels used some hustle by
Trout was hit by a pitch with two outs, and Pujols singled to left. Baltimore Manager
Hamilton hit a slow roller to shortstop
Hardy fired to first, but not in time to catch Hamilton, whose infield single scored Trout. It took five innings before another run was scored.
"You're not going to match up head to head in tight games with teams with good bullpens unless you're able to get the outs yourself," Angels Manager Mike Scio-scia said. "And I think you saw that tonight."
Twitter: @MikeDiGiovanna