Mathis makes mark on ALCS

Jeff Mathis got a chance to live out a classic childhood dream Monday night in Anaheim, Calif.

Facing the New York Yankees in Game Three of the American League Championship Series, the Marianna native came to bat in the bottom of the 11th inning with a runner on first, and a chance to be a hero.

Mathis delivered with a game-winning RBI double, to score Howie Kendrick and save the Los Angeles Angels from facing a near-impossible 0-3 series deficit.

The 26-year-old catcher said the ending was especially exhilarating after the Angels’ 13-inning loss to New York in Game Two.

“It was pretty exciting, especially after the way they beat us last time,” Mathis said. “Obviously, (being down) 2-1 is a lot better than 3-0.

“That was an emotional rollercoaster we were on the other night. To go extra innings again and pull it out this time was big for us.”

Mathis said he was simply grateful to be in a position to win the game for his team.

“First of all, I was just happy to hit,” he said. “I usually don’t get the opportunity to be up there during those situations.

“Howie had a good at-bat and got on base. Once I got up there and got ahead 1-0, I was just looking for pitch up in the (strike) zone and got it. I knew I hit it on a line. Luckily, it got into the gap and went off the wall.”

Mathis was 2-for-2 on the night, doubling in his first at-bat in the 10th inning, before being thrown out at the plate on a ground ball by Torii Hunter.

After a 1-for-5 start to the postseason, Mathis now has hits in three of his last four at-bats.

“The last few at-bats, I’ve gained some confidence,” he said. “When you’re called upon, you have go to work and do your job, and that’s what I’ve been doing.”

By the time Mathis got his chance in the 11th, his team had played 24 innings in the last two games.

To come up short again would have been devastating for the Angels.

“After playing however many innings we played Saturday night and then going into extras again, it was almost like, ‘Who’s going to get this big hit?’” Mathis said.

“We had been going back and forth for so many innings. We had our chances and they had their chances. Luckily, I was up there and got something to drive.”

Mathis said he got as many as 100 text messages from friends and family after the game to congratulate him for being the hero of Game Three.

“That was great,” he said. “It’s nice to know you’ve got people following you, watching you, and keeping up with you.”

However, the Angels will still have to win three more for Mathis to get to play under the brightest lights of the World Series.

After finally breaking through against arch-nemesis Boston, Anaheim still has to get past a powerful Yankees squad that led the majors in total wins.

“Obviously, it’s an awesome experience to be playing the Yankees in the ALCS,” Mathis said. “It’s pretty exciting. This is what you work for in January and February.

“(Getting to the World Series) is the goal back in February. You’ve got your mind on it, but we’ve got to take care of business right now because we’re not there yet. We’re playing a great team in the Yankees.”

The Angels and Yankees were set to play Game Four Tuesday night in Anaheim. Mathis said he expected Mike Napoli to get the start at catcher, with Angels lefty Scott Kazmir on the mound.

Mathis will likely start Game Five in New York, with John Lackey starting on the mound for Anaheim.