Joel Pineiro pitched seven strong innings, leading the Los Angeles Angels to a 4-1 win over the Minnesota Twins on Sunday afternoon at Angel Stadium in Anaheim. Pineiro picked up his first win since July 9, allowing one run in his seven innings. The win allowed the Angels to keep pace with the Texas Rangers, remaining three and a half games behind in the American League West.
Bobby Abreu got the scoring started with a home run to right field off Kevin Slowey in the first inning. It was the seventh home run on the season by Abreu, who also walked and scored twice on the day.Torii Hunter had two singles, including a run-scoring base hit in the bottom of the eighth inning.
Joe Mauer went deep off Pineiro in the fourth inning for the Twins. Kevin Slowey pitched seven strong innings of his own, allowing just two runs with four strikeouts and no walks. However, Slowey was hung with his fourth loss in four starts this season.
Jordan Walden pitched a scoreless ninth inning with two strikeouts, picking up his 28th save of the season.
The Angels welcome the Seattle Mariners to town for three games beginning Monday night. Dan Haren starts the opener for the Halos, against Anthony Vasquez for Seattle.
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