Albert Pujols finally hit his first home run, and the Los Angeles Angels held on to defeat the Toronto Blue Jays 4-3 on Sunday afternoon at Angel Stadium in Anaheim. The win was the second straight victory for the Angels, who salvaged a series split against Toronto.
Pujols drove a pitch from Drew Hutchison over the left field wall in the fith inning for a two-run shot that gave the Angels a 4-1 lead. It was his first of the season, and came in his 117th plate appearance of the season. It came one day after Halos manager Mike Scioscia gave his slugging first baseman a day off on Saturday.
Jerome Williams pitched into the seventh inning, allowing three runs (two earned) for his third straight win. Williams allowed eight hits and one walk while striking out four.
Scott Downs opened the ninth inning for the Angels, but after a J.P. Arencibia single back up the middle knocked Downs to the ground, the reliever left the game with an apparent left leg injury. LaTroy Hawkins recorded the final two outs for his first save of the season.
Each of the first four hitters in Sunday's lineup for the Angels scored a run: Mike Trout, Maicer Izturis, Pujols, and Kendrys Morales.
The Angels open a six-game road trip on Monday, facing the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. Jered Weaver gets the start for the Halos, facing Francisco Liriano for the Twins.
For all news and information regarding the Los Angeles Angels, please visit Halos Heaven. For updates and perspective regarding the Toronto Blue Jays, head on over to Bluebird Banter.
