On Monday, the Los Angeles Angels and Cleveland Indians kicked off a three-game series with a true pitchers' duel. Jered Weaver and Ubaldo Jimenez went head-to-head and Weaver ended up pitching the Angels to a 3-0 victory. With the win, the Angels have secured a winning road trip for themselves.
Both pitchers held the game scoreless until the top of the fifth inning, when Erick Aybar hit a deep sacrifice fly to score Howie Kendrick and get the Angels on the board. Kendrick hit a solo home run in the top of the seventh to make it 2-0 Halos.
Weaver found himself in trouble in the bottom of the seventh inning, as Cleveland loaded the bases with no outs. He worked his way out of the jam admirably, getting a groundout from Johnny Damon and getting Casey Kotchman to pop out in foul territory before striking out Shelley Duncan to escape the inning unscathed.
Jimenez did not fare as well in a bases-loaded situation in the top of the eighth, walking Alberto Callaspo to force in a run and give the Angels a big insurance run.
Weaver was pulled after giving up back-to-back singles to start the bottom of the eighth. He finished having allowed just five hits in seven innings of work. Uncharacteristically, Weaver struck out just two while walking three Indians batters. Scott Downs came in in relief and induced a double-play grounder and a fly ball to preserve the shutout. Downs stayed in to pitch a 1-2-3 ninth inning and wrap up the win for the Angels.
There was a bit of a scary moment in the top of the fourth inning, as Albert Pujols singled and stole a base. As he was stealing second, the throw from Indians catcher Carlos Santana plunked Pujols in the left shoulder. Pujols immediately grabbed his arm, prompting Mike Scioscia and the Angels trainer to come out and take a look. Pujols remained in the game and looked to be fine. Pujols finished the game 1-for-2 with a pair of walks.
The Angels will attempt to secure the series win on Tuesday.
For all news and information regarding the Los Angeles Angels, please visit Halos Heaven. For updates and perspective on the Cleveland Indians, head on over to Let's Go Tribe or stop by SB Nation Cleveland.
