For the first time in 19 seasons, the California Angels are in the postseason. They clinched the 1979 American League West division thanks to consecutive home wins over the Royals on Monday and Tuesday of the season’s final week.
Nolan Ryan overcame three unearned runs early to beat Kansas City, 4-3 on Monday. Then on Tuesday, catcher Brian Downing had three singles, scoring one run and driving in two more in a 4-1 victory that game the Angels an insurmountable five-game divisional lead with only four left to play.
That the clincher was finished off by Frank Tanana was a sweet moment for the left-hander, who missed three months this year with a shoulder injury.