Angels starter C.J. Wilson began his Sunday night start in Game 3 of the ALDS against the Royals with a 1-0 lead thanks to Mike Trout, who delivered a solo home run against James Shields in the top half of the first inning.
Wilson, however, quickly got into trouble, allowing back-to-back one-out singles to Norichika Aoki and Lorenzo Cain. After striking out Eric Hosmer looking, Wilson walked Billy Butler to load the bases for Alex Gordon. Gordon worked the count to 2-2 before smoking a line drive to left-center. The ball bounced off of the bottom of the wall, allowing the Royals to clear the bases. Butler slid home safely just ahead of the throw home, which also allowed Gordon to advance to third base.
Angels manager Mike Scioscia wasn’t giving his starter any rope. He strode out to the mound and took Wilson out of the game, bringing in Vinnie Pestano from the bullpen. Pestano got Salvador Perez to pop out to end the first inning.
There’s still plenty of game left, but the Royals are in a good position to join the Orioles in the ALCS after sweeping their opponents in the ALDS.
