The Angels tried out their new closer tonight, and the decision paid off as Jordan Walden got his first save of the season in the Angels' 5-3 win over the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Walden, who displaced Fernando Rodney as closer today, retired all three Rays in order in the ninth, with one strikeout. The Angels snapped a three-game losing streak.
Jered Weaver pitched his second quality start of the season, allowing just one run in 6 2/3 innings. Weaver allowed just three hits and three walks, while striking out six. The only run Weaver allowed was a home run by former Halo Sean Rodriguez, who took Weaver deep in the third inning.
The Angels got on the board early tonight, scoring three runs on four hits in the top of the first inning. Torii Hunter had an RBI single and Alberto Callaspo followed with a two-run single later in the inning. Hank Conger added a solo shot in the second inning, his first major league home run.
Tonight was the second major league save for Walden, who got his first save last September 19. The Angels and Rays will end their brief two-game set Wednesday afternoon, with Dan Haren facing rookie Jeremy Hellickson.
For more news and information on the Angels or tonight's game, be sure to read the SB Nation blog Halos Heaven.