TAYLOR WARD (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

By Pete Zarustica/Orange County Tribune

Having finished last season buried in last place in the American League West, who could believe that the Los Angeles Angels would coming roaring back into first place in the American League West?

With Tuesdays’ stirring extra inning 9-7 win over the St. Louis Cardinals, the Halos are 4-1 and in first by a half-game over the Texas Rangers.

More incredibly, the Orange County team has made a habit of heart-pounding late rallies to win games.\

On Tuesday, they blew a one-run lead in the eighth inning and a three-run in the 10th, but had two two-out clutch hits to win it in the 11th.

For the third game in a row, Kyren Paris – what a great name! – had the key hit, this one an RBI single in the 11th to snap a 6-6 deadlock.

Paris – an unknown a few days ago – is now batting .444. Conversely, Mike Triut is hitting .118, but he made his contribution with a two-run double.

Of course, five games – no matter how stirring – do not a season make. The Angels have demonstrated grit and spirit and have already exceeded expectations.

The Halos have made a history of fast starts in the spring, only to flame out by summer.
Regardless, the lamp of hope has been lit in Anaheim, and this group looks like they might keep it burning for a while.