The Los Angeles Angels got another quality start from Dan Haren today, ans swept away the Tampa Bay Rays with a 5-1 win at Tropicana Field. Haren allowed just one run on four hits in 7 2/3 innings, and his bullpen retired the final four batters in order to preserve the win. Haren has allowed just two runs in 14 2/3 innings so far this season, for a 1.23 ERA.
The Angels again scored in the first inning, on an RBI double from Bobby Abreu, and added single runs in the fourth, sixth, eighth, and ninth innings. The Rays' lone run came off the bat of B.J. Upton, who homered off Haren in the fifth inning. New closer Jordan Walden pitched a scoreless ninth inning, with a four-run lead, to close out the game.
Jeremy Hellickson stuck out 10 in his 5 2/3 innings for the Rays, but he was hung with the loss by allowing three runs.
Brandon Wood made his first start of the season today, at shortstop, and went hitless in four at-bats, with three strikeouts. The Angels went 3-3 on their season-opening six-game road trip. The Angels home opener is Friday against Toronto.
For more information on the Angels or today's game, be sure to read the SB Nation blog Halos Heaven.