Anaheim, CA (Sports Network) - Torii Hunter homered twice and knocked in five runs as the Angels took down the Mariners, 9-3, in the third portion of a four-game series. Joel Pineiro (5-3) lasted seven innings, allowing three runs on 10 hits and a walk while striking out seven in the Angels 13th win in their last 16 games.
Michael Pineda (8-6) allowed a season-high seven runs on six hits and two walks while fanning seven to take the loss. "Michael was a little out of sync. Hunter got him a couple times," said Mariners manager Eric Wedge. "This is something he can learn from." Miguel Olivo had two hits and two RBI for Seattle, losers of four straight.
The Angels struck first with a four-run third inning. Mark Trumbo singled to lead off the frame and Hank Conger followed with a walk. Mike Trout stepped up next and laid down a bunt single for his first career hit. After Pineda fielded the bunt, his throw to first hit Trout in the back, allowing Trumbo to score and Conger to advance to third on the throwing error.
Two batters later, Hunter launched a three-run homer over the left-center field wall. Seattle answered with a run in the fourth on back-to-back doubles by Dustin Ackley and Olivo.
The Mariners then made it a one-run game in the fifth. After two quick outs, four consecutive singles by Ichiro Suzuki, Brendan Ryan, Ackley and Olivo resulted in two runs. An Adam Kennedy walk then loaded the bases, but Pineiro ended the threat by inducing a Justin Smoak flyout to center, keeping it a 4-3 game.
The Angels took control of the game for good in the bottom half of the inning. Trout worked a one-out walk and rounded the bases on a Maicer Izturis double. Hunter came up next and smacked his second home run of the night just over the short right-field fence to give the Angels a 7-3 lead.
Vernon Wells' two-out RBI single in the seventh and Trumbo's solo shot in the eighth finalized the scoring.
"I'm happy with the way we're playing. We're swinging the bats well," said Hunter.
Game Notes
It was the 15th career multi-home run game for Hunter...Ackley has now hit safely in 17 of 19 games since making his major league debut on June 17...Mariners manager Eric Wedge was ejected by third base umpire Sam Holbrook in the third inning for arguing a check swing call...Angels infielder Howie Kendrick extended his hit streak to a career-high 18 games...The Angels improved to 6-0 in Pineiro's last six starts.
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