Number 58. K-Rod now holds the record for most saves in a single season, holding the ninth as the Angels beat the Mariners 5-2 for their fourth straight win.
The offense was carried by Juan Rivera, who had a four-hit night complete with a homerun and three RBI. After the Mariners scored two in the first, Rivera tied it up with a two-run blast in the second. Rivera also drove in a run with an RBI-double in the fourth and doubled and scored on Wood’s RBI-single in the sixth. He then doubled again in the eighth but had to leave the game for a strain in his right leg. Wood then picked up his second RBI with a sac fly to score Matthews, who replaced Rivera.
Jon Garland gave up two runs in the first, but then held the Mariners scoreless until he departed after the sixth. He picked up his 14th win after being tagged for those two runs and six hits. Oliver and Shields each tossed an inning and paved the way for a save opportunity for K-Rod. He gave up a hit and a walk before striking out the last two for save number 58, which breaks Bobby Thigpen’s 18-year record of 57.
The Angels can complete the four-game sweep with a win today. Ervin Santana will take the mound and face Felix Hernandez. Santana is looking for his 16th win, and has just one loss since July 27. He is 2-0 in three starts against the Mariners this year. The Angels will look to stop Hernandez from picking up his 10th win; he won his earlier start this season against the Angels back in April.
