You could almost hear all the Angels fans screaming at their television sets in the top of the fourth inning as Joe Saunders struggled in Game 6 of the ALCS.
"Get him out! . . .Why are you leaving him in?"
Well, there was a reason Manager Mike Scioscia left his shaky left-hander in to pitch to Alex Rodriguez with the bases loaded, one out and the Yankees already ahead, 2-1.
His option was young Kevin Jepsen, who a) has had his share of problems in the series so far, and b) throws a 97 mph fastball as his out pitch.
Rodriguez usually kills 97 mph fastballs, so Scisocia thought he'd have a better shot with the more experienced Saunders, who can throw a variety of pitches, including a sinker that can induce double plays. As it turned out, Saunders threw a borderline inside fastball that was called ball four. The walk brought in another run to make it 3-1.
Scisocia also knew that if Saunders surrendered one more walk, he was bringing in Darren Oliver, who quickly got Jorge Posada, batting from a less effective right side, to hit into a double play and end the rally.
-- Steve Bisheff