by Amaury Pi Gonzalez

ANAHEIM–The Los Angeles Angels won the West last night for the first time since 2009. After C.J Wilson pitched a marvelous game against the Seattle Mariners, winning 5-0, they went inside their dressing room, and watched the last inning of the A’s vs Rangers game at Oakland.

With the Athletics leading 1-0, (and the Angels magic #1)the top of the ninth inning provided enough drama to also keep thousands of Angels fans in the park watching the A’s game from Oakland on the big screens. When J.P. Arencibia hit that homerun in the top of the ninth giving the Rangers the lead, Howie Kendrick almost opened the first bottle of champagne, but was contained by a couple of teammates. After the Rangers scored 6 times and won it 6-1, the party was just getting started, inside the dressing room and outside on the field. Players came out to celebrate with the fans in the stands.

The first division title for the Angels since 2009 and their 95th win of the season. With ten games remaining on their schedule (starting tonight with the last of a 4 game set vs Mariners at Angels Stadium) the Angels would have to go 5-5 to win 100 games. Angels are 50-22 since since July 1, 37-20 in second half and 27-8 in last 35 games and 12-4 this month.

The Angels will close this homestand (their last of the year) this Sunday with the third of three against the Rangers, then they travel to Oakland for three against the A’s and fly up north for three more against the Mariners, then close the regular season September 28 in Seattle.

With 95-57 they have the best record in baseball; at home 51-26 at home, also best in the majors. “This is what we play for”said a smiling and excited Mike Trout, who told me in Spanish “tranquilo” which means “quiet” just minutes before opening the bubbly inside the Angels dressing room. There is little doubt that he will win his first MVP.

Last time the Angels won the World Series was 2002, when they beat the San Francisco Giants. I remember that year very very well, I was doing the play by play for the Giants back then, and still have in my mind the image of Giants catcher Benito Santiago wandering in the lobby of the Anaheim Hilton late that night after the lost.

Down here in the Southland, there still the hope of a Freeway World Series, but the Dodgers only have a two game lead over the Giants, and they will meet for the last time this season next Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at sellout Dodger Stadium.

The LA Angels will also go over the 3 million in attendance this weekend.

Amaury Pi Gonzalez is the Spanish TV Voice for Angels baseball and does News and Commentary each week on http://www.sportsradioservice.com