Angels-Red Sox broadcast highlights
Best TV moments from Game 3 of the Angels-Red Sox division series Sunday night in Boston.
Best camera shots on the TBS broadcast: The closeup of Angels Manager Mike Scioscia followed by a closeup of batting coach Mickey Hatcher after Juan Rivera fouled off a 3-0 pitch that was out of the strike zone in the first inning with the bases loaded.
Their looks went beyond annoyance, past anger to have-you-lost-your-mind-along-with-your-batting-eye. Fortunately for Rivera, he got another chance when Red Sox right-hander Josh Beckett missed again on the next pitch. This time, Rivera let it go as well as the following pitch, forcing in a run and forcing a sigh of relief from his manager.
Best stat: With one out in the top of the 10th and Boston closer Jonathan Papelbon on the mound, TBS noted that the entire 25-man Angels roster was two for 48 against the right-hand closer.
Best stat II: After Angels catcher Mike Napoli hit two home runs Sunday night, ESPN showed him on a list with five other catchers who have hit two home runs in a postseason game. The teams of the other five -- Yogi Berra, 1956 Yankees; Gene Tenace, 1972 Athletics; Johnny Bench, 1976 Reds; Gary Carter, 1986 Mets; and A.J. Pierzynski, 2005 White Sox -- all went on to win the World Series.
Best line: Uttered by Ernie Johnson on the TBS postgame show after the 5-hour and 19-minute game had concluded: "You should consult your doctor if your postseason game lasts more than four hours."
-- Steve Springer
Photo: The Angels' Mike Napoli joined an illustrious list of catchers to hit two home runs in a postseason game. Credit: Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times
