FIGGINS IS ON TOP OF IT ANGELS OUTFIELDER HAS WALK-OFF SINGLE IN 11TH TO BEAT SOX ANGELS 4, CHICAGO WHITE SOX 3 (11).Byline: DOUG PADILLA Douglas ("Doug") Padilla (born October 4, 1956 in Oakland, California) is a former middle and long distance runner from the United States, who won the overall Grand Prix 1985 and the World Cup 5000m race in 1985. Staff Writer ANAHEIM -- Dropped to the last spot in the order a week ago, Chone Figgins Desmond DeChone "Chone" Figgins (born January 22, 1978 in Leary, Georgia) is a Major League Baseball utility player for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Despite the unusual spelling of his first name, "Chone" is pronounced as "Shawn. was feeling on top of things Tuesday. Figgins' game-winning single to center in the 11th inning gave the Angels a 4-3 victory over the Chicago White Sox The Chicago White Sox are a professional baseball team based in Chicago, Illinois. The White Sox are a member of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From to the present, the White Sox have played in U.S. and helped them gain ground on the first-place Oakland Athletics “Philadelphia Athletics” redirects here. For other uses, see Philadelphia Athletics (disambiguation). The Oakland Athletics are a professional baseball team based in Oakland, California. for the first time in a week. The Angels now trail the A's by 4(bul) games in the American League West The American League West is one of three divisions in Major League Baseball's American League. The division currently has four teams, but it has had as many as seven teams before the 1994 realignment. with 17 to play, including seven of the last 10 against Oakland. The A's dropped their second consecutive game to the Minnesota Twins The Minnesota Twins are a professional baseball team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Twins are a member of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From to the present, the Twins have played in the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome. and have to face rookie sensation Francisco Liriano Francisco Casillas Liriano (born October 26, 1983 in San Cristóbal, Dominican Republic) is a left handed Major League Baseball starting pitcher for the Minnesota Twins. Professional Career Liriano was acquired by the Twins as a throw-in prospect in a deal that sent A.J. today. ``It was really big being that every time Oakland had lost, we had lost,'' Figgins said. ``The guys stuck together and we pulled out a big one.'' The Angels and A's had the same result the previous six games. The four times the Angels won, so did the A's, and the two teams also lost on the same day. The Angels are now closer than five games for the first time since Aug. 22 when they were four back. Figgins' two-out blooper off White Sox reliever Bobby Jenks Robert "Bobby" Scott Jenks (born March 14, 1981 in Mission Hills, California) is a Major League Baseball relief pitcher for the Chicago White Sox who made his debut in 2005. landed in front of White Sox center fielder Brian Anderson Brian Anderson may refer to:
With Murphy on second and Adam Kennedy For other people with the same name, see Adam Kennedy (disambiguation). Adam Thomas Kennedy (born January 10, 1976 in Riverside, California) is a Major League Baseball player. He currently plays second base for the St. Louis Cardinals. Kennedy attended J.W. on first, Howie Kendrick hit a ground ball to short. Kennedy slid hard into White Sox second baseman Tadahito Iguchi, who couldn't get the ball to first in time to get Kendrick. Figgins followed with his second game-ending hit of the season, and the seventh for the Angels. It was the second one on the homestand, following Kennedy's three-run home run last Tuesday against the Baltimore Orioles. Angels reliever Hector Carrasco (5-3) picked up the victory with two innings of scoreless relief. The Angels practically celebrated this one like they did Kennedy's game-winner by catching up with Figgins on the infield grass and creating a mob scene. It was equal parts excitement about gaining a game and appreciation for the struggling Figgins. ``These guys know how hard Figgy works and what he means to our club,'' Angels manager Mike Scioscia said. ``After the frustration that he's had with maybe some numbers not falling into place like he'd like to contribute, he's still won some games late for us.'' Figgins had just three hits on the homestand in 23 at-bats before connecting on the game-winner. ``Obviously the guys have been backing me up, which is very important,'' Figgins said. ``They just said, `Stay with it, keep going, battle with us and we'll be right there with you.' That was important, and so was the opportunity to contribute like that.'' The victory snapped a seven-game losing streak to the White Sox at Angel Stadium that included last season's American League Championship Series
The White Sox nearly went ahead in the ninth inning before Francisco Rodriguez shifted into high gear. Paul Konerko received a one-out walk that brought A.J. Pierzynski to the plate. The White Sox catcher crushed a line drive that Vladimir Guerrero struggled to track down in right field. Guerrero made an off-balance stab at the ball as it sailed over his head and to the wall. Pinch-runner Jerry Owens advanced to third base but Pierzynski stayed at first with a single. Rodriguez then struck out Joe Crede and waged a battle with Rob Mackowiak until the White Sox utility man eventually grounded out to second to end the threat. Shaky defense has been a problem all season for the Angels, and it nearly cost them again with Guerrero's play. ``The thing that really has plagued us has been our continuity on the defensive side,'' Scioscia said. ``It's been everything, from making plays to the range we've exhibited, has not been what we needed.'' It didn't hurt them this time. ``We had to get this win since Oakland lost,'' said starter Ervin Santana, who gave up three runs on seven hits in seven innings. ``I wasn't around but we still got the win. ``That's all I care about.'' doug.padilla@sgvn.com (626) 962-8811, Ext. 2731 CAPTION(S): photo, box Photo: The Angels' Garret Anderson tosses his bat after flying out against Chicago during the eighth inning. Chris Carlson/Associated Press Box: ANGELS vs. CHICAGO WHITE SOX - Doug Padilla |
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