It wasn't just a big inning. It was a big FIRST inning.
The first five Angels batters either walked or spewed base hits, two of them for extra bases, and before some people had even found their seats, Mike Scioscia's guys were leading 4-0 in Game 5.
It was a long time coming for this offense that entered the game hitting a collective .201 in the ALCS. But it was timely, if nothing else, considering this could be an elimination game for the Angels if they lose.
John Lackey, who often doesn't get many runs to work with, now has a nice cushion in an effort to win his second game of the playoffs. It was Lackey, remember, who pitched so superbly in winning Game 1 of the ALDS.
But it was the hitting, not the pitching, that was the talk early. Chone Figgins walked to lead off the game, getting on base early for what seemed like the first time in a month. Bobby Abreu followed with a double to right center. Torii Hunter, who hadn't driven in a run since that first Lackey win vs. the Red Sox, promptly singled up the middle to make it 2-0.
Vlad Guerrero was next, ripping the first pitch (naturally) to left center for a double to score Hunter all the way from first. Kendry Morales then singled in Guerrero to make it 4-0.
This was the first time the Angels had scored at all in the first three innings of any playoff game this October.
In other words, they were due.
-- Steve Bisheff
