There’s not much more Angels’ starting pitcher Jered Weaver could do to improve his chances of being the starting pitcher for the 2011 American league all-stars, but Thursday’s game may have sealed the deal. Weaver (11-4) tossed his 4th complete game of the season, beating the Seattle Mariners 5-1. The Angel ace allowed one run while scattering 6 hits, striking out 6 and walking one. The win extends Weaver’s streak to 5 wins without a loss, covering his last 9 starts. Weaver has also allowed just one run or less in his last 5 starts.
Howie Kendrick extended his hitting streak to 16 with a RBI double in the Angels 3-run third. The double was Kendrick’s team leading 20th of the season. Peter Boourjos added a RBI double in the 8th, but appeared to have suffered an injury to his left leg after making an awkward return to second. Bourjos did not remain in the game, and it is unknown if he will miss any time.
Mariner’s starter Doug Fister (3-10) was once again offered no support from the Seattle offense. Although it’s hard to blame the hitter’s for not scoring more than a run of of Weaver, it’s the fourth straight game the Mariners have scored 2 or less runs in a Fister start.
The win keeps the Angels a game behind the AL West division leading Rangers, who won in Oakland Thursday 6-0. During their current home stand, the Halos are 8-2 with 3 games remaining. They have also won 17 of their last 23 since losing 6 straight in early June.
Weaver lowers his league leading ERA to 1.86, the only starting pitcher in the league with a sub-2.00 ERA. His 11 wins ties him with Detroit’s Justin Verlander for second behind the Yankees C.C. Sabathia.