Orioles 3, Angels 0
BALTIMORE -- Mike Wright pitched 7 1/3 scoreless innings in winning his major league debut, Adam Jones doubled in two runs and the Baltimore Orioles defeated the Los Angeles Angels 3-0 on Sunday afternoon, salvaging the finale of the three-game series.
The 25-year-old Wright allowed four hits, and struck out six without issuing a walk, helping the Orioles avoid their first home sweep of the season.
The right-handed Wright (1-0) was pressed into service when Bud Norris (bronchitis) and Chris Tillman (lower back stiffness) were both scratched this weekend with injuries.
Wright left to a standing ovations from the crowd of 41,733 when he was lifted after left fielder Matt Joyce singled in the eighth.
Reliever Brad Brach struck out the two batters he faced, and Zach Britton pitched the ninth for his eighth save.
Jones, the center fielder, and right fielder Delmon Young each had two hits for the Orioles (16-19), who began play last in the American League East, four games under .500 for the first time since 2011.
After scoring the Orioles first run on a wild pitch in the fourth, Jones provided a late cushion when he doubled off reliever Mike Morin in the eighth.
The Angels (19-18) got another strong start, this time from right-hander Garrett Richards (3-2), who lost despite giving up a two runs on five hits over 7 2/3 innings. He struck out seven and walked one.
The Angels had won five straight, and their starting pitchers are 5-1 with a 1.69 ERA over their last seven games.
Designated hitter Albert Pujols had a double and a single for the Angels.
Wright was selected by the Orioles in the third round of the 2011 player draft, and was 3-0 in six starts with Triple-A Norfolk before the Orioles called him up on May 13.
Wright retired the first nine Angels before right fielder Kole Calhoun lined a single to center to open the fourth.
With one out, Pujols doubled, putting runners on second and third. Shortstop Erick Aybar then grounded sharply to third baseman Manny Machado and Calhoun, moving on contact, was tagged out between third and home.
Wright ended the threat by striking out second baseman Johnny Giavotella.
Back-to-back singles by Jones and Young gave the Orioles first and third with one out in the fourth.
First baseman Chris Davis struck out, but with second baseman Steve Pearce standing in, Richards hurled his second wild pitch of the game, allowing Jones to score the game's first run.
NOTES: Angels RHP Cory Rasmus (abdominal surgery) has been long-tossing and could begin throwing off a mound this week. ... The Angels were seeking their first three-game sweep in Baltimore since Sept. 6-8, 2002. ... Orioles RHP Kevin Gausman (shoulder tendinitis) will begin throwing this week and could pitch a simulated game on May 27. ... With the status of RHP Bud Norris (bronchitis) and RHP Chris Tillman (lower back stiffness) uncertain, manager Buck Showalter has not named a starter for Baltimore's next game, Tuesday vs. Seattle.