(Sports Network) - Don't look now, but the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are
slowly climbing their way out of the basement in the American League West.
The Halos were victorious Friday night, defeating the Mariners 6-4 in the
second test game of a four-game series. Their third straight win, though,
didn't come without some dramatics.
Down 4-3 in the ninth inning, Mark Trumbo led off with a single, which was
followed up by a Alberto Callaspo walk. Erik Aybar then tied the game by
reaching on a Brandon League error. An intentional walk of Kole Calhoun set up
pitch-hitter Howie Kendrick for the game-winning two-run single.
Albert Pujols continued to put his early season slump behind him after belting
a three-run home run in the sixth inning. Pujols now sits with six long balls
on the season after hitting none in the month of April.
Though Ervin Santana struggled, allowing four earned runs on four hits and a
season-high seven walks, Jason Isringhausen earned the win by pitching a
scoreless eighth inning. Scott Downs pitched a perfect ninth for his fourth
save.
For Seattle, Justin Smoak was a one-man wrecking crew, going 2-for-4 with a
home run and four RBI.
Blake Beavan was impressive in a no-decision, going seven innings allowing
five hits and three runs. League (0-4) earned the loss after the ninth inning
meltdown, and he now has more blown saves (3) than saves (2) since April 30.
The Mariners look for a quick turnaround after the heartbreaking loss, and
luckily for them they have their stopper ready to take the hill in Felix
Hernandez.
King Felix dominated the potent Texas Rangers lineup on Monday night, going
eight innings while allowing six hits and one earned run. He also struck out
seven and walked just two, out-dueling fellow AL West pitching sensation Yu
Darvish.
"Attack and just throw strikes," said Hernandez of his game plan against the
Rangers. "If you get behind against this lineup, it's a problem."
The win came on the heels of two uncharacteristically poor starts for
Hernandez, who allowed 21 hits and 10 earned runs over back-to-back losses to
the Yankees and the Indians.
Monday's performance was more in line for Hernandez's season so far, as he has
now pitched eight innings in five of his 10 starts and has allowed one earned
run or fewer in six of those.
Hernandez has not been as dominant against the Angels in his career, going 6-9
with a 3.67 ERA in 25 career starts against Los Angeles, who sends Jerome
Williams to the mound tonight.
Williams has been more than the Angels could have asked for as the fifth
starter this season, giving the Halos six quality starts in seven tries while
registering a 4-2 record with a 3.74 ERA.
Williams wasn't great his last time out, allowing five hits and five walks in
6 1/3 innings, but he managed to escape allowing just two earned
runs. Despite his strong damage control, Williams came out the hard-luck loser
on Monday, as the Athletics beat the Angels 2-1.
The journeyman right-hander has been fantastic in two career starts against
the Mariners, going 2-0 with a 3.00 ERA, allowing just eight hits in 15
innings pitched.
The Sports Network