Chone Figgins hit a bases-loaded single through a drawn-in infield in the eighth inning, plating two runs and leading the Angels to a 3-1 victory over the Dodgers, Friday night at Dodger Stadium.
The victory was the Angels’ 11th in their last 15 games against the Dodgers.
Figgins’ hit ended a string of missed opportunities by both teams.
Twice, Erick Aybar bunted in an attempt to move runners over. Both times he popped out. Aybar had a chance to redeem himself in the seventh inning after Figgins led off with a triple. Instead Aybar struck out, leaving his bat between shortstop and third base.
Figgins was later caught in a rundown between third and home, leaving the score tied.
The Dodgers had a chance to break a 1-1 tie in the bottom of the seventh inning after Rafael Furcal hit a leadoff double. He was sacrificed to third by Orlando Hudson but failed to go any farther because Russell Martin struck out and James Loney grounded out.
Kendry Morales and Gary Matthews singled to start the eighth inning but Howie Kendrick was unable to bunt them over. Morales was forced out at third. Maicer Izturis walked on four pitches, bringing up Figgins. Figgins delivered a single to right field off of Corey Wade, scoring Matthews and Kendrick.
Darren Oliver, who pitched 1 1/3 relief innings, got the victory.
