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Pujols, Angels shoot for another win over Yankees

Apr 26, 2014 - 11:59 AM (SportsNetwork.com) - Albert Pujols aims to continue his recent success at the plate when the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim take on the New York Yankees in the middle installment of a three-game set in the Bronx.

Over his last three games, Pujols is 6-for-12 with three homers and seven RBI. He went deep again Friday night, No. 501 for his career, in Los Angeles' 13-1 rout. His nine homers this month equal an April team record, set by Brian Downing in 1986.

Erick Aybar went 4-for-5 with a three-run homer and four runs scored to back a solid start from C.J. Wilson last night. Ian Stewart slugged a two-run homer, while Collin Cowgill clubbed a solo shot for the Angels, who have won three of their last four games.

The run support was more than enough for Wilson, who held the Yankees to one run on four hits and three walks with five strikeouts over six innings.

It was a much different story for Hiroki Kuroda (2-2), as the New York starter surrendered a career-high eight runs -- six earned -- on 10 hits in just 4 2/3 innings, snapping his string of consecutive starts of at least five innings pitched at 26.

Alfonso Soriano registered New York's lone RBI, while Brett Gardner recorded two of the six hits for the Yankees, who had won three of their last four games entering the series.

Hector Santiago aims not only for his first win this season, but the lefty tries to snap a personal seven-decision skid this afternoon. Santiago hasn't won since Aug. 24 against the Rangers. Since then, he's 0-7 over his last eight starts. That includes a 2-1 loss at Detroit on Sunday when he was lifted after throwing 119 pitches over 5 2/3 innings. Santiago allowed just two hits and two unearned runs, but had five walks against seven strikeouts.

In three career games (one start) versus the Yankees, Santiago has a 1-0 record and 7.45 ERA.

Vidal Nuno, who will make his second start and fifth appearance of the season, counters for the Yankees. The lefty started Sunday at Tampa Bay, when the Bronx Bombers earned a 5-1 win in 12 innings. It was Nuno's first start since May 30 of last year, and he allowed three hits and fanned seven without giving up a run over five innings. This will be the first time he faces the Angels.

The Yankees won three of four versus the Angels at home last season.