SEEKING WELLNESS OF TROY PERCIVAL SHAKY, BUT ANGELS PRODUCE PLENTY TO GET VICTORY ANGELS 10, DETROIT 7.Byline: Joe Haakenson Staff Writer DETROIT - As he warmed up in the bullpen during the ninth inning of Thursday's game between the Angels and Detroit Tigers The Detroit Tigers are a professional baseball team based in Detroit, Michigan. The Tigers are a member of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From to the present, the Tigers have played in Comerica Park. , Angels closer Troy Percival Troy Eugene Percival (born August 9, 1969 in Fontana, California) is a Major League Baseball reliever on the St. Louis Cardinals. Percival came out of retirement on June 8, 2007 when he signed a minor league deal with the Cardinals[1]. felt remarkably healthy. It was a significant moment considering he was diagnosed with degenerative changes to his left hip this season, causing concern his career could be in jeopardy. Feeling strong, Percival entered the game with a four-run lead but walked the bases loaded. He issued four walks in the inning and gave up a long sacrifice fly, yet walked off the mound relieved that he and the Angels were able to hold on for a 10-7 victory in front of 12,236 at Comerica Park • • [ . Percival had such a margin of error because the Angels pounded out 17 hits, three each from Garret Anderson Garret Joseph Anderson (born June 30, 1972 in Los Angeles, California) is a Major League Baseball left fielder who has played his entire career for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. (double, two singles) and Tim Salmon Four others - Jeff DaVanon Jeffrey Graham DaVanon (born December 8, 1973 in San Diego, California) is a Major League Baseball outfielder with the Oakland Athletics. DaVanon came up through the Oakland Athletics system before being traded to the Anaheim Angels as a minor-leaguer in 1999. (homer, double), Adam Riggs Adam David Riggs (born October 4, 1972, in Steubenville, Ohio) was a Major League Baseball outfielder, first baseman, and second baseman. He is an alumnus of the University of South Carolina Aiken and attended Lenape Valley Regional High School in Stanhope, N.J. (double, triple), CSUN CSUN California State University Northridge product 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. (two singles) and Bengie Molina Benjamin José ("Bengie" or "Ben") Molina (born July 20 1974 in Río Piedras, Puerto Rico) is the starting catcher for the San Francisco Giants of Major League Baseball. After being initially regarded as a "good glove, no hit" catcher, Molina has developed into one of the better (double, single) - had two hits apiece. Scott Spiezio hit a two-run double in the seventh inning to break a 7-7 tie. Most of Percival's rehabilitation program had involved strengthening exercises, but eventually the hip got tight and he considered having surgery. But since switching his program to one that focused more on stretching, he's felt much better. So when he took the mound in the bullpen Thursday, he decided to work on getting his mechanics back to the way they used to be. ``I'm not just pitching to get through innings, now I'm pitching to get back to top form,'' said Percival, who was not credited with a save and still has 26 this season. ``My legs have been the biggest key for me. ... I want to go back to getting down on my back leg and pushing, but I was pushing too hard.'' As a result, Percival's stride was long and he couldn't throw strikes. He walked Brandon Inge, Ramon Santiago and Alex Sanchez to load the bases. Percival struck out pinch hitter Carlos Pena, but Bobby Higginson, the next batter, hit a long fly ball down the right-field line that caused some anxiety, but only was a sacrifice fly. Percival pitched around Dmitri Young (Rio Mesa High of Oxnard), walking him to load the bases again, then got the final out of the game when Ben Petrick grounded into a force play. ``I was gassed after (Higginson),'' Percival said. ``I'm glad I was able to get the last out before they scored any more runs.'' The Angels managed to overcome a typical performance from starter Aaron Sele (7-9), who yielded five runs in the fourth inning but nothing else in six innings. Sele earned his first victory in seven starts going back to July 10 against the Royals. Though Percival nearly gave away the lead, Angels manager Mike Scioscia had no problem sticking with his closer. ``I think Troy's very good at eventually adapting on the mound and making good pitches,'' Scioscia said. ``He figures out what he has to do and gets the job done.'' Though beating the Tigers isn't exactly unique to the league this season - Detroit is 31-95 and on pace to finish with a major-league-record 122 losses - Scioscia said he was impressed with the way the Tigers played. ``I read today where (Tigers manager) Alan Trammell said he's not sure if he's getting his message across,'' Scioscia said. ``Well, if (Thursday) was any indication, they're getting the message. They play hard.'' Joe Haakenson, (626) 962-8811 joe.haakenson(at)sgvn.com |
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