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Pittsburgh Pirates defeat LA Dodgers 11-1. On their second try to try and clinch the NL West, the Dodgers failed miserably. Only today they had no shot whatsoever. Three baserunning mistakes that led to three outs in the first two innings will not get it done. But then again having a spring training lineup won't help things either. Just to make sure the score was somewhat respectable, Chin-Lung Hu hit a sac fly in the ninth inning with one out to score Orlando Hudson. However a couple of positives come out of this: Vin Scully will now be calling the Dodgers clinch, and the Dodgers will do it in the visiting clubhouse at Petco Park. Sweet!
LA Angels defeat Texas Rangers 11-0. The Angels clinched the AL West in this laugher against the second place team in the division. Starter Ervin Santana pitched a complete game seven-hit shutout, the first complete game shutout by the Angels in a clinching game since 1979 when Frank Tanana did it. Bobby Abreu went 3-for-5 scoring twice and was a homer short of the cycle. The Angels become the first AL West team to grab three consecutive AL West titles since the Oakland A's did it from 1988-1990. It's a good way to celebrate from tragic circumstances having to deal with the deaths of long time advisor, scout and coach Preston Gomez in January and young pitcher Nick Adenhart hours after his first start of the season.
Notable Notes
According to ABC7, USC running back Stafon Johnson is expected to make a full recovery. He is expected to be out for the rest of the season, but may be able to make a comeback next season in his last year of NCAA eligibility.
While bench pressing 275 pounds, the bar slipped from Johnson's right hand landing on his throat. It was an ugly scene with him coughing up blood. He was rushed by ambulance to California Hospital Medical Center where he underwent emergency surgery for seven hours. Rumors that he would have a permanent tracheotomy were apparently just that.
Tonight's Action
LA Dodgers at San Diego Padres. Chad Billingsley vs. Cesar Ramos. 7:05 pm KCAL9, AM 790 KABC.
Texas Rangers at LA Angels. Scott Feldman vs. Scott Kazmir. 7:05 pm FSWest, AM 830 KLAA/AM 980 KFWB.
