Angels Give Scare, Defeat Jays 6-5

The bullpen failed again on Thursday, but the Angels were able to absorb its problems and still come out victorious.  John Lackey had a strong start for the Angels, going seven innings allowing two earned-runs and leaving with a 5-2 lead with six outs left to get.  Darren Oliver then entered the game and surrendered two singles and a walk.  Manager Mike Scioscia then brought in right-hander Justin Speier, who let all three inherited runners score and ended the eighth in a 5-5 tie. 

In the top of the 9th inning, second-baseman Howie Kendrick led the inning off with a single and advanced to third on Chone Figgins’ single.  Erick Aybar then grounded into a double play, in which Kendrick took off towards home and scored the winning run.  Closer Brian Fuentes made it interesting in the 9th, putting two on with only one out, yet closed it out for his fourteenth save of the year.  The Angels will now face off with the Detroit Tigers during the weekend, having to face the terrific Justin Verlander on Friday night.  Ervin Santana will make the start for LAA.