Angels 11, Mariners 3
Albert Pujols and Alberto Callaspo each recorded four hits and combined for three RBIs as host Los Angeles mauled Seattle in the opener of their four-game series.
Josh Hamilton belted a two-run homer and Peter Bourjos had three hits and scored twice as the Angels improved to 27-9 in their last 36 home games against the Mariners. Los Angeles collected 21 hits, reaching 20 for the first time since Aug. 23 during a 14-13 win in 10 innings over the Boston Red Sox.
Los Angeles starter Jason Vargas (6-4) struck out nine while allowing two runs and four hits in seven innings. Counterpart Aaron Harang (3-7) was roughed up for four runs and 12 hits in five frames before the Angels exploded against Seattle's bullpen.
Nick Franklin hit a two-run homer in the third to pull Seattle within 4-2, but Los Angeles rallied for seven runs in the sixth against relievers Carter Capps and Charlie Furbush. Pujols ripped a run-scoring double off the wall in right field and Erick Aybar singled home a run before Callaspo delivered a two-run base hit to make it 8-2.
Chris Iannetta increased the Angels’ lead to seven with an RBI single to left,and second baseman Franklin’s throwing error on Mike Trout’s grounder allowed two runs to score.
GAME NOTEBOOK: Harang is 0-3 against the Angels this season while surrendering 16 runs and 27 hits - including five homers - in 11 2/3 innings. … Trout scored his 200th career run in the sixth inning. He reached the mark in his 249th game, making him the fastest to do so since Ted Williams (225 games) and Barney McCosky (236 games) accomplished the feat in 1940. … Seattle OF Jason Bay was held out of the lineup due to a hamstring injury suffered Sunday.