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Angels Sweep Brewers in Thrilling Series
May 12, 1986 - Anaheim, CA — The California Angels completed a three-game sweep of the high-flying Milwaukee Brewers at Angels Stadium, with the return of Ryne Sandberg from the disabled list providing a significant boost. The series featured a mix of power-hitting, clutch performances, and solid pitching, culminating in a dramatic extra-inning finale.
Game 1: Angels Outslug Brewers, 7-5
The series opener was a back-and-forth battle with both teams showcasing strong offensive skills. Despite Milwaukee's 16 hits, the Angels' timely hitting and error-free defense led them to a 7-5 victory. Roberto Ayala started on the mound for the Angels, allowing 11 hits and 3 runs over 7 innings while striking out 5. Rich Goosage closed the game, allowing 5 hits and 2 runs in 2 innings but managed to secure the save.
Inning-by-Inning Summary
1st Inning:
- Top: The Brewers started strong with Hank Aaron and Hank Myers reaching base, but they couldn't capitalize, leaving runners on.
- Bottom: Ryne Sandberg and Jim Eisenreich both flew out, and the Angels failed to score.
2nd Inning:
- Top: Javy Lopez struck out and Robin Ventura flew out, leaving the inning scoreless.
- Bottom: Al Simmons doubled and Bobby DeLancey walked. Bobby Brunson's single loaded the bases, and Todd Pratt’s single scored Simmons. (Angels 1-0)
3rd Inning:
- Top: Milwaukee couldn’t score despite Frisch’s single.
- Bottom: Jim Eisenreich singled and Joe Glenn hit a two-run homer. (Angels 3-0)
4th Inning:
- Top: Cedeno’s single and Lopez’s triple tied the game after scoring Cedeno. Robin Ventura hit a two-run homer, making it 3-3.
- Bottom: The Angels couldn't score.
5th Inning:
- Top: Ayala struck out two batters and got Aaron to ground out.
- Bottom: Simmons grounded out and DeLancey singled but was left stranded after a double play.
6th Inning:
- Top: Milwaukee’s attempts were stifled by Ayala's pitching.
- Bottom: Pratt doubled, Concepcion reached on an error, and Pendleton hit a two-run homer. (Angels 6-3)
7th Inning:
- Top: Ayala continued his strong performance, with two strikeouts and a groundout.
- Bottom: Garcia replaced Smoltz for the Brewers, who retired the Angels in order.
8th Inning:
- Top: Goosage replaced Ayala and managed to keep the Brewers scoreless.
- Bottom: Pendleton hit another homer. (Angels 7-3)
9th Inning:
- Top: Aaron’s two-run homer brought the Brewers closer, but Goosage managed to end the game. (Final: Angels 7-5)
Game 2: Johnson Dominates as Angels Win 5-3
Randy Johnson delivered a masterful performance in Game 2, striking out 10 Brewers over eight innings. Despite Milwaukee's efforts, Johnson's dominance on the mound and the Angels' error-free defense secured a 5-3 victory. Jim Bagby started for the Brewers, allowing 10 hits and 5 runs over 7 innings while striking out 3.
Inning-by-Inning Summary
1st Inning:
- Top: Myers struck out and Frisch grounded out. Aaron singled but was left stranded.
- Bottom: Sandberg walked but was out on a double play.
2nd Inning:
- Top: Maris, Lopez, and Ventura all struck out against Johnson.
- Bottom: The Angels couldn't get past Bagby's pitching.
3rd Inning:
- Top: Russell struck out, and Myers grounded out, keeping the score tied.
- Bottom: Concepcion and Lemon both lined out, and Sandberg grounded out.
4th Inning:
- Top: Johnson continued to dominate with another strikeout and two groundouts.
- Bottom: Eisenreich singled and scored on Kluszewski's single. Pendleton reached on an error, and Brunson’s homer made it 4-0. (Angels 4-0)
5th Inning:
- Top: Maris struck out and Lopez grounded out.
- Bottom: Lemon walked and Sandberg singled. Kluszewski’s single scored Lemon. (Angels 5-0)
6th Inning:
- Top: Russell tripled and scored on Gibson's sacrifice fly. (Angels 5-1)
- Bottom: Brunson and Pratt grounded out, and Concepcion struck out.
7th Inning:
- Top: Aaron lined out and Cedeno doubled. Maris scored on an error, and Lopez doubled in Maris. (Angels 5-3)
- Bottom: Sandberg and Eisenreich were retired, but Kluszewski doubled and was left stranded.
8th Inning:
- Top: Myers struck out, Frisch flew out, and Aaron struck out, closing Johnson's impressive outing.
- Bottom: Eric Plunk replaced Bagby, keeping the Angels scoreless.
9th Inning:
- Top: Tapan replaced Johnson and closed the game with a strikeout and two groundouts. (Final: Angels 5-3)
Game 3: Angels Win Extra-Inning Thriller, 5-4
The series finale was a nail-biter, with the Angels clinching a 5-4 victory in 10 innings. Milwaukee's early lead from Cedeno's two-run homer was matched by the Angels’ resilience. Red Ruffing pitched 9 innings for the Angels, allowing 10 hits and 4 runs while striking out 6. Dutch Leonard started for the Brewers, allowing 11 hits and 4 runs over 6 innings.
Inning-by-Inning Summary
1st Inning:
- Top: Myers singled, Aaron flew out, and Cedeno's two-run homer gave the Brewers a lead. (Brewers 2-0)
- Bottom: Sandberg walked and scored on Eisenreich’s single. (Brewers 2-1)
2nd Inning:
- Top: Simmons and Ventura grounded out, and Petrocelli struck out.
- Bottom: Brunson and Pratt grounded out, and Brock doubled but was left stranded.
3rd Inning:
- Top: Gibson singled and scored on Myers' double. (Brewers 3-1)
- Bottom: Sandberg and Eisenreich singled but were left stranded.
4th Inning:
- Top: Maris walked and reached third but was left stranded.
- Bottom: Glenn singled but was out on a double play.
5th Inning:
- Top: Myers grounded out, Frisch struck out, and Aaron struck out.
- Bottom: McAuliffe homered. (Brewers 3-2)
6th Inning:
- Top: Cedeno struck out, Maris singled, but Simmons grounded into a double play.
- Bottom: Glenn singled, Brunson doubled, and Pratt’s single scored both. (Angels 4-3)
7th Inning:
- Top: Ventura homered. (4-4)
- Bottom: Sandberg popped out and Eisenreich flew out.
8th Inning:
- Top: Aaron grounded out, Cedeno popped out, and Maris singled but was left on.
- Bottom: Kluszewski and Simmons flew out, and Glenn singled but was out on a fielder's choice.
9th Inning:
- Top: Ventura flew out, Petrocelli flew out, and Gibson lined out.
- Bottom: Pratt grounded out, Brock singled but was out on a double play.
10th Inning:
- Top: Myers flew out, Frisch struck out, and Aaron struck out.
- Bottom: McAuliffe was placed on second base. Sandberg singled, and Eisenreich hit a walk-off single. (Final: Angels 5-4)
Series MVP: Ryne Sandberg
Ryne Sandberg’s return was pivotal, providing key hits, scoring runs, and making crucial defensive plays. His performance was instrumental in the Angels’ sweep, earning him the series MVP honors.
