Vladimir Guerrero pumped some dread back in those locks of his Monday night, delivering a not-so-subtle reminder that, despite his three-week power drought, he can still be one of baseball's most feared hitters.
The slumping slugger hit a go-ahead three-run home run in the fifth inning and had a run-scoring single in the sixth, his four RBIs equaling his RBI total for his previous 23 games combined, to lead the Angels to a 10-7 victory over the Chicago White Sox.
Guerrero's big night helped the Angels end a four-game losing streak, and closer Francisco Rodriguez's 15th save -- he struck out A.J. Pierzynski looking at a changeup with two on to end the game -- preserved a lovely parting gift for rookie right-hander Nick Adenhart.
Adenhart survived a shaky three-run second inning to throw 5 2/3 innings, giving up four runs and nine hits, for his first big league win before being sent back to triple-A Salt Lake.
Reliever Jose Arredondo was recalled and the Angels will make another roster move to clear a spot for ace John Lackey, who will come off the disabled list to start Wednesday night.
"There's only one time for a first -- it's exciting for Nick and the guys are excited for him," said Manager Mike Scioscia, who gave Adenhart the scorecard from the game. "It's good that he was able to cut some baby teeth here. That will help him the next time he comes up."
What helped Adenhart most Monday night was Guerrero's clutch hitting. Guerrero was batting .195 (eight for 41) with two RBIs in his previous 41 at-bats when he came up with runners on second and third, one out, and the Angels trailing, 4-2, in the fifth.
Sean Rodriguez and Gary Matthews Jr. opened the inning with infield singles and advanced on Erick Aybar's sacrifice bunt.
With first base open, the White Sox elected to pitch to Guerrero, who crushed Mark Buehrle's 1-and-0 cut fastball over the wall in left-center field for a three-run home run, his fourth homer this season and first since April 25 at Detroit.
"He hit some bullets tonight," center fielder Torii Hunter said of Guerrero. "He got a cutter in, tucked his hands in and hit a home run. That was clutch. Tonight, he was right where he needs to be. If he stays that way? Oh my god, there's no telling where we'll be."
Guerrero's homer gave the Angels a 5-4 lead, but they weren't done. Robb Quinlan reached on an infield single and scored on Garret Anderson's triple to right-center field for a 6-4 lead.
