TURNING POINTS

THE BIG PLAY

Darin Erstad’s first-inning homer. It was important for the Angels to get off to a fast start for two reasons: It quieted the Metrodome crowd and it enabled high-strung Ramon Ortiz to relax a little on the mound. Ortiz pitched well Wednesday, and giving him a quick lead was a big reason why.

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THE BIG LETDOWN

The one drawback to the Angel victory was Tim Salmon’s hamstring injury. Salmon is a big part of the Angels’ success this season, and if he has to sit out a couple of games, it will throw the offense out of sync. Even if he can play, a tight hamstring could make him tentative at the plate.

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NOT IN THE BOX SCORE

When Troy Glaus led off the second inning with a single, it marked the first time in this series that an Angel had reached base to lead off an inning. It’s no coincidence that they scored three runs in the second, giving them a 4-0 lead and putting them in command of the game.

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DID YOU NOTICE?

John Lackey, already named to start Game 4, was warming up in the Angel bullpen in the seventh inning. He simply might have been throwing between starts, but the seventh inning is an unusual time to do that. Is Mike Scioscia thinking of bringing Kevin Appier back to start Game 4 on three days’ rest?