THINGS ARE looking up for the Angels as they swept a three-game series from the Phillies with a 5-4 win Thursday. Andrelton Simmons scored the winning run on a wild pitch (Flickr/Dinur).

By Pete Zarustica

Almost given up for dead a week ago, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim have roared back into the playoff race. With Thursday’s come-from-behind 5-4 win over the Philadelphia Phillies at the Big A, the Halos have won five of six games.

Not only have they tightened their grip on third in the American League West – just a half-game out of second – but are now just three games out in the AL wild card race.

Andrelton Simmons sparked a two-run rally in the bottom of the eighth with a double and scored what proved to be the winning run on a wild pitch as the Angels swept the three-game series.

“It’s good,” Simmons said. “Last series we played good. We stepped off the gas late in the game and had a bad inning and couldn’t put the Blue Jays away, but I’m glad we got the sweep today and we came back after a slow start.”

Mike Trout contributed a two-run home run and Freddy Galvis a two-run single. Trout not only had two hits and two RBIs, but he drew a walk.

Starting pitcher Parker Bridwell was not quite as impressive as he was in earlier starts, giving up six hits and four runs in five innings, striking out four and walking three. But his value as a good luck charm held: the Angels have won nine of 10 games in which he started.

The win went to Yusmeiro Petit (3-0), who worked two shutout innings. Bud Norris picked up his 17th save in the ninth.

On Friday, Troy Scriber will make the start for the Angels as the Oakland Athletics come to Anaheim.