David Price pitched seven strong innings, and Justin Ruggiano homered and drove in three runs, leading the Tampa Bay Rays to a 5-1 win over the Los Angeles Angels Monday night in the series opener in Anaheim. Price allowed one run and five hits in seven innings, striking out seven without walking a batter. The loss was the third straight for the Angels, and has lost five of their last six contests.
Ruggiano had an RBI single in the first inning to give Tampa Bay a 2-0 lead, then hit a two-run home run in the sixth to widen their lead to 4-0. The Angels were able to scratch out a run in the eighth, but that was it. The Angels have scored 12 runs in their last six games.
Tyler Chatwood allowed four runs (three earned) in his seven innings, walking one and striking out five in the loss. Hisanori Takahashi pitched the final two innings for the Angels, who fell to 30-32 on the season, four and half games out in the American League West. Dan Haren makes his return to the mound on Tuesday for the Angels, against Alex Cobb of the Rays.
For more news and information on the Angels, or on tonight's game, be sure to read the SB Nation blog Halos Heaven.