CHICAGO -- There was no way that the Angels could win Game 1 after traveling to three time zones in three days, right? Well, someone forgot to tell the Angels that fact.

Though it was a fairly well matched offensive game, the Angels were the club that came up with the clutch hits when needed in their 3-2 victory over the White Sox in Game 1 of the American League Championship Series.

Fresh off a thrilling Game 5 win over the Yankees in the ALDS the night before, the Halos struck early and strong pitching helped hold the lead.

Paul Byrd was able to limit the Sox hitters to only seven hits before the bullpen would come in and hold off Chicago's comeback threat. It was enough to win Game 1, but the Angels' offense will have to pick up if wins are to keep coming.

Behind the numbers
The offensive numbers may pale compared to what the Angels are used, but, remember, the team played three game in three cities in three days, traveling an estimated 4,700 miles during the span.

Vitals check
A look at key statistics through Game 1 of the ALCS.

Team stats

Digits Trend The Deal
ERA 2.00 Relievers step up big to hold lead
BA .212 Tired hitters come up with key hits
BA w/ RISP .167 Missed chances don't end up hurting
Runs 3 Not too bad after traveling coast to coast
Errors 1 Looked bad but error didn't hurt

Who's hot?

Player Digits Trend The Deal
Garret Anderson .250 BA, 1 HR, 1 RBI Momentum changing home run in second inning
Paul Byrd 1-0, 3.00 ERA Key pitching performance for injury plagued rotation

Who's not?

Player Digits Trend The Deal
Vladimir Guerrero .000 BA, 0 HR, 1 RBI Close to breaking out but not yet

Frozen moment
Garret Anderson's home run to lead off the second inning helped to change the tide in direction of the Angels. Jose Contreras said that it affected his pitching style and allowed the Angels to score two more in the next inning.

Slick move
With two runners on and no outs in the third, Chone Figgins laid down a bunt that put both runners in scoring position and both runs would eventually score for a 3-0 lead.

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Postseason feels good
Orlando Cabrera has hit safely in all eight career LCS games and in 18 of 20 career postseason games.

Saving the day
Francisco Rodriguez earned his third career postseason save with all three coming in 2005.

Last word
"From day one of Spring Training, the only thing we think about is taking it one day at a time and one game at a time. That carries over into the playoffs. You would have expected a number of miscues -- because of the circumstances of what we've been through -- but we played a great game."
-- Bengie Molina