The Angels began their roadtrip in Seattle and beat the Mariners 4-2 to move to a three-game win streak.
The offense failed to score more than four runs for the 13th consecutive game, but the help of the pitching staff has still allowed the Angels to have a 9-4 record in that stretch. The Angels jumped on top first with two runs in the third off a Jeff Mathias two-run shot. They rallied for two more in the next inning to take a 4-1 lead. Gary Matthews Jr., Casey Kotchman, and Robb Quinlan led off the inning with consecutive singles. Quinlan’s allowed Matthews Jr. to score before Macier Izturis hussled out a potential double-play to allow Kotchman to score his second run of the game.
Ervin Santana earned his eighth win of the season, which is good enough to tie him for the most victories in the AL. He gave up just two runs on six hits with 3 K’s in 7 2/3 innings. He was pulled in the eighth after giving up a solo shot to Jose Lopez, but Jose Arrendondo and K-Rod finished the game to give Santana the win. K-Rod also threw a perfect ninth to get his 22nd save.
The first place Angels and the last place Mariners of the AL West go again on Tuesday at 7:10pm. Joe Saunders has a chance to become the only nine-game winner in the AL; two of the wins have already come against the Mariners. He will face left Erik Bedard, who stands at 4-3.
