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Angels rock Tigers yet again, complete sweep

Jul 30, 2007 - 5:08 AM ANAHEIM, California (Ticker) -- The Detroit Tigers entered a three-game series on Friday at Angel Stadium with the league's best road record and left on Sunday with nothing but questions.

Chone Figgins had three hits and scored three runs over the first three innings as the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim cruised to a 13-4 victory over the Tigers, completing a three-game sweep of the defending American League champions.

Detroit, who entered this weekend series with a 34-20 road record, had no answer for an Anaheim offense that outscored it, 34-13, over the three contests.

"You saw two good teams this series; one played good and one played bad," Tigers manager Jim Leyland said. "We played bad and got swept."

"The Tigers are a terrific ballclub," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said. "We were fortunate to play well this series. They can pick up runs in a hurry. There is no comfortable lead against the Tigers."

The Angels, who entered Friday with a league-best 32-16 home record, scored 10-plus runs in three straight games for only the second time in franchise history; the only other occurrence was from May 20-23, 1997.

"We have to be realistic with our offense," Scioscia said. "We have to score runs without the home run by stealing bases, laying down bunts and taking good at-bats."

Figgins, who is batting a league-best .419 (85-for-203) since June 1, singled and scored in every one of his first three at-bats.

The switch-hitter's latest performance came at the expense of Detroit starter Jeremy Bonderman (10-3), who experienced the worst start of his career, surrendering 11 runs - 10 earned - and nine hits with three walks over just 2 1/3 innings.

"He just had one of those days." Leyland said. "Today wasn't his day (and) we just have to turn the page."

Every Anaheim starter scored at least one run and only No. 9 hitter Reggie Willits failed to register an RBI.

The run support was more than enough for Anaheim starter Dustin Moseley, who was making his first start since April 12, but he was pulled from the contest after making 87 pitches, despite being staked to a 12-2 lead. The righthander was just one out shy of recording the five innings necessary to qualify for the win.

"We stretched (Moseley) as much as we could," Scioscia said. "We had him on a pitch count and he was near the end of it. It's a shame he couldn't get that win."

"It always helps to have some runs on your side early; it allows you to tackle hitters and not be overly cautious." Moseley said.

The win was awarded to Chris Bootcheck (3-2), who relieved Moseley and allowed two hits over 2 1/3 scoreless frames for the Angels, who have won four consecutive contests.

Curtis Granderson hit his major league-leading 17th triple of the season for the Tigers, who have lost four straight games.