Angels at Mariners
Albert Pujols accomplished an historic feat in the series opener and looks for another solid performance when the Los Angeles Angels visit the Seattle Mariners on Saturday for the middle contest of their three-game series. Pujols became the 32nd player in major-league history to reach the 3,000-hit milestone and later added another hit as the Angels recorded a 5-0 victory on Friday.
Pujols reached 3,000 with a soft base hit to right field in the fifth inning and added a two-run single in the ninth to pass the legendary Roberto Clemente while helping fuel Los Angeles' 11-hit attack. Mike Trout and Andrelton Simmons each recorded three hits on Friday to help the Angels register their fourth straight victory. Seattle notched just five singles and was hitless in eight at-bats with runners in scoring position in the series opener, losing for only the third time in its last 10 games. The Mariners have scored only six runs over their last three games after rolling up 28 in three consecutive victories.
TV: 9:10 p.m. ET, FS West (Los Angeles), ROOT Northwest (Seattle)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels LH Tyler Skaggs (3-2, 3.03 ERA) vs. Mariners LH Marco Gonzales (3-2, 5.02)
Skaggs lost to the New York Yankees in his last turn as he gave up two runs and three hits in 5 1/3 innings. The 26-year-old was superb in his previous outing as he defeated World Series champion Houston by scattering four hits over seven scoreless innings. Skaggs is 1-2 with a 4.81 ERA in seven career starts against Seattle and has struggled with Robinson Cano (8-for-18) and Kyle Seager (7-for-18, two homers).
Gonzales defeated Cleveland in his last turn, when he gave up two runs and six hits over six innings. The 26-year-old has put together back-to-back stellar outings as he worked six scoreless frames and struck out eight in a victory over the Chicago White Sox on April 24. Gonzales has posted a 3.24 ERA in two career no-decisions against the Angels and has allowed a homer to Trout (1-for-3).
WALK-OFFS
1. Angels 3B Zack Cozart (back) has missed two straight games but could return Saturday.
2. Seattle LF Ben Gamel struck out in each of his three at-bats in the opener and is 2-for-22 over his last seven appearances.
3. Los Angeles placed Martin Maldonado on the bereavement list and recalled fellow C Juan Graterol from Triple-A Salt Lake.