The Los Angeles Angels hoped to snap their three-game losing streak and wake up their dormant offense on Saturday against the hometown New York Yankees. They succeeded admirably on both fronts, leaning on the long ball en route to a dominant 7-1 victory.
In his second start of the season, C.J. Wilson was once again stellar, allowing six walks and two walks in six innings, but allowing just one run, on a Robinson Cano RBI single in the bottom of the fifth.
By the time the Yankees scored their lone run, the Halos had already done more than enough damage. Chris Iannetta got the scoring started by launching a two-run homer off of Yankees starter Phil Hughes in the top of the second inning and the Angels never looked back.
In the top of the third, Albert Pujols picked up his third RBI of the year on his third double of the year. The final four angels runs would all come by way of the homer, as Howie Kendrick launched a three-run bomb off Hughes in the top of the fourth that led to Hughes finally coming out of the game after 3.1 IP, eight hits, two walks, two home runs and six runs allowed. Hughes' lone bright spot was his six strikeouts.
In the top of the fifth inning, Vernon Wells hit a solo home run to left field. It was the 250th homer of Wells' career and the third of the game for the Angels, doubling their 2012 season total so far. According to Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register, the Angels and Yankees are now the only two teams in baseball to each have four players on their active roster with 250 career home runs.
Kevin Jepsen, LaTroy Hawkins and Jordan Walden all contributed scoreless innings to lock down the Angels win.
For all news and information regarding the Los Angeles Angels, please visit Halos Heaven. For updates and perspective on the New York Yankees, check out Pinstripe Alley or head on over to SB Nation New York.
