The Los Angeles Angels had five extra-base hits Monday night, powering their way to a 7-3 win over the Seattle Mariners in the opening game of a three-game series at Angel Stadium in Anaheim. Coupled with the Texas Rangers' 5-1 road loss Monday afternoon to Tampa Bay, the Angels are now two and a half games out of first place in the American League West.
After Seattle scored a run in the top of the first, the Angels greeted Anthony Vasquez with a trio of extra-base hits to plate three runs. Peter Bourjos doubled with one out, then scored one out later on a triple by Torii Hunter. Mark Trumbo drove home Trumbo with a home run to center field. "We were able to get some pitches up in clutch situations. We didn't get many hits, but we took advantage of them," Hunter said after the game.
Dan Haren allowed three runs on 10 hits in six innings to pick up his 14th win of the season. But the offense was the story Monday, as the Angels plated seven runs. "We're coming alive at a good time for us," manager Mike Scioscia said after the game. "This is the deepest offense we've had since the start of last year. We are getting contributions from a lot of guys."
Ervin Santana starts for the Angels Tuesday night, facing Felix Hernandez for Seattle.
Monday night's 6:05 p.m. PDT game will be televised by Fox Sports West. For more news and information on the Angels, be sure to read Halos Heaven.