Angels 5, Twins 2

It wasn't a smooth start for Mike Pelfrey, at times it was close to getting out of control completely. On the flip side C.J. Wilson wasn't very efficient but was able to pretty much hold the Twins down for the 5 innings he was out there.

The Angels got their first run in the 2nd on a Chris Iannetta solo home run. In the top of the 3rd, Hicks singled to left to lead off the inning and, after Eric Fryer took 3 strikes, Danny Santana knocked a single of his own to left. A double steal and a Brian Dozier single later it was 2-1 Twins.

That lead was brief, however, as Daniel Robertson singled and Johnny Giavotella reached on a Santana error in the bottom of the 3rd. Kole Calhoun singled to RF to score Robertson from second, moving Giavotella to 3rd. Mike Trout then hit into a double play, but Giavotella scored, giving the Angels a 3-2 lead. The error by Santana turned out to be huge as both runs scored in the third were unearned.

The Twins threatened in the 4th with 2 outs but Santana popped out to end it. C.J. Wilson finished the 5th and exited the game with 105 pitches, 6 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 5 K. Not a very good start but he was able to get out of some threats and limit damage.

Another Angel run came in the 5th when Giavotella lead off with a triple that was backed up by a Calhoun single. Pelfrey was able to limit the damage afterwards, finishing his night with a scoreless 6th. Pelfrey's final line was 6 IP, 9 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, and just a single strikeout. Technically a quality start, but a rather ugly one at that.

Fernando Salas came in and pitched a scoreless 6th, who was then relieved by Trevor Gott for the 7th. Against Gott the Twins threatened with a single by Mauer and a walk by Miguel Sano. However, Trevor Plouffe hit into a double play to end the inning. The Twins bats wouldn't threaten to score again this game.

Trevor May came in to pitch the 7th and 8th innings.

The Angels tacked on a 5th and final run in the bottom of the 7th on a double by Albert Pujols. Taylor Featherston flew out to Rosario, who made a great throw to nail Kole Calhoun at the plate for a double play. The throw was refreshing after a couple of bad throws by Eddie in the previous game.

Joe Smith, who has the most average name ever, pitched to the Twins in the 8th. Eddie Rosario doubled to left but was left stranded at third.

Houston Street finished up matters in the 9th fairly easily, picking up his 300th career save. This small slump after the All-Star break feels somewhat like the bad start to the year. Minnesota was able to bounce back from that, there's no reason they can't come out of this slump too.

Studs

Mauer, Rosario, Hicks

Duds

Santana, Fryer, Plouffe

Notes:

-Pujols and Trout went 1-7. Other Angels hitters: 11-25.

-David Freese appears to be headed to the DL after being hit on the hand tonight.

-Trevor Plouffe was robbed of an extra base hit by Robertson in CF.

-Speaking of Plouffe, he and his wife are expecting a child soon, so congratulations are in order.

The Twins play at a more reasonable time tomorrow (2:35 central time) to try to salvage a game out of this series.

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