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| Angels' pitcher Dan Heran |
Angels pitcher Dan Haren (2.64 ERA) gave up a base hit to the Mariners' Brenden Ryan in the first inning. Ryan then goes on to steals second base which allowed runners in scoring position at second and third base. Next at bat was Adam Kennedy who hit a two run single allowed Seattle to take the lead 2-0.
The Angels continued to put themselves in scoring positions but were unable to capitalize on it thanks the no holds barred pitching of Hernandez and the defense of the Mariners.
The Angels played solid defense themselves in the third inning thanks to a spectacular dive and catch by center fielder Torii Hunter to end the inning.
In the fourth inning the momentum shifted the Angels way as first baseman Mark Trumbo off the first pitch hit a two run homer to tie the game 2-2.
After a great pitchers duel, Hernandez was pulled in the seventh inning on 109 pitches, and 6 strike outs by manager Eric Wedge. He was replaced by reliever David Pauley who allowed the Angels a great opportunity in the eight inning as Hunter and first time all-star Howie Kendrick were on first and second base. Alberto Callaspo hits a double in the center gap that scored Hunter and Kendrick to take the lead 4-2.
Haren was prepared to go the distance in the ninth inning, as he struck out Justin Smaok, forced a pop up by Adam Kennedy to bring the Angels within one out of the victory. As the crowd of 39, 505 cheered and stood on their feet, manager Mike Scioscia walked to mound, and that would be the last we would see of Haren for the afternoon. He left with 8 strike outs, on 113 pitches.
Haren was replaced by closer Jordan Walden (who is also headed to All-Star Game in place of Yankees Mariano Rivera). Walden struck out Franklin Gutierrez on nine pitches for his 20th save, giving the Angels the win. The Angels have won 11 out of their last 13 games and are red hot heading into the All-Star break.
Haren gets the victory and goes to (10-5), while David Pauley get the loss and drops to (5-3) on the year.
"It's very disappointing. That homer was a mistake that I made, and they [Angels] made me pay. They're playing good baseball right now." as a disgusted Felix Hernandez talked about the loss.
Despite the loss Seattle manager Eric Wedge spoke about Hernandez' effort "I thought Felix was good. He let one get away from him, but overall I thought he had good stuff today."
Dan Haren was asked about how much he wanted to complete the game "any pitcher wants to finish. But I respect the manager's decision and its not a bad option to go to. I mean I'm off of about 120 pitches or something, so we can go to Walden who's fresh and throwing a hundred mph balls. So we got the win, and I'm happy about it."
An upbeat and joking Torii Hunter described how he made that spectacular catch in the third inning " that was just stupid man, I'm just competitive. I saw the ball coming over my head, and I dove for it. I'm just glad that fence wasn't there."
As we approach the All-Star break as manager Mike Scioscia describes as "it couldn't have come at a better time", the Angels have something to look forward to and build on going into the second half of the season. Angels trail Texas by just 1 game in the AL West.
*It was announced on Sunday just a few hours before game time, that All-Star Game pitcher Jared Weaver would be the American League starter. Weaver who has an outstanding 1.86 ERA and an impressive (11-4) record.
*Bobby Abreu got his 1400th walk on Sunday along with Mark Trumbo who recorded his 17th HR so far this season.
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