The Los Angeles Angels need a win Sunday against the Kansas City Royals in order to keep their playoff hopes alive in the ALDS. That meant a short leash for starting pitcher C.J. Wilson if things went awry early on, and, well, that's exactly what happened.
C.J. Wilson pulled after shortest outing in Angels postseason history
C.J. Wilson didn’t exactly get the Angels off to a strong start in a must-win game against Kansas City on Sunday.
Jamie Squire
Two singles, one walk and a bases-clearing double were all that Angels manager Mike Scioscia needed to pull from Wilson in the first inning Sunday. With just two outs recorded in the inning, Wilson’s brief appearance qualifies as the shortest start in Angels postseason history.
That's not exactly a proud honor for Wilson, but it may have been deserved after a brutal stretch. The Angels started the evening off well enough with Mike Trout's home run, and needed their starting pitcher to at least provide a steady hand and avoid an early deficit. Instead, Wilson faltered early, with Alex Gordon's double putting the Royals ahead, 3-1.
Though two innings, the Angels have already used three pitchers in this game. Vinnie Pestano replaced Wilson to get out of the first-inning jam, and he's already been relieved by Hector Santiago.
Things may not be hopeless for the Angels, though -- the club has had a starter last two or fewer innings in the postseason three times, and won two of those games.
See More:
