Angels Blank Red Sox

Bounced from the playoffs three times in the last five years by rival Boston, the Anaheim Angels opened their playoff series with a commanding victory 5-0 over the Red Sox led by pitcher John Lackey. Torii Hunter hit a three-run home run in the series opener and rounded the bases with such vigor that he nearly lapped teammate Bobby Abreu. In nearby Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles grinded out a 3-2 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals to go up 2-0 in the series thanks to a ninth inning error by Matt Holliday, who blew a catch with two outs that would have ended the game. The Colorado Rockies evened their series with a strong performance against Phillies ace Cole Hamels en route to a 5-4 win.