Angels force ALCS back to New York

Published 2:20 am Friday, October 23, 2009

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Just when all looked lost, the Los Angeles Angels took a cue from an old friend.

With their Rally Monkey doing his best work in years, the Angels sent the AL championship series back to New York.

Kendry Morales drove in the go-ahead run with a two-out single in the seventh inning, and the Angels responded to the Yankees’ six-run comeback moments earlier for a 7-6 win Thursday night that trimmed New York’s lead in the ALCS to 3-2.

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Vladimir Guerrero’s single tied it in the seventh for the Angels, who somehow didn’t surrender after blowing a 4-0 lead. New York struck immediately after manager Mike Scioscia removed ace John Lackey, with Robinson Cano capping the rally with a two-run triple.

The Game 5 theatrics continued right up to the final pitch, when Angels closer Brian Fuentes retired Nick Swisher on a full-count popup with the bases loaded.