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Guerrero, Angels pound Orioles

Aug 6, 2008 - 10:55 PM ANAHEIM, California (Ticker) -- Less than 24 hours after getting stymied by a rookie journeyman, Vladimir Guerrero and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim roared back against the Baltimore Orioles.

Guerrero homered and had four RBI on Wednesday afternoon as the red-hot Angels rolled to a 9-4 triumph over the Orioles.

It was the 16th victory in the last 21 contests for Anaheim (71-43), which owns the best record in the majors and entered Wednesday's matinee with an overwhelming 10 1/2-game lead in the American League West Division.

On Tuesday night, the Angels appeared uncharacteristically overmatched by 27-year-old rookie Chris Waters, who allowed only one hit over eight innings to pace the Orioles to a 3-0 victory. But the Angels roared back in this contest, scoring nine runs and pounding out 10 hits through the first four innings.

"I was happy with the way we're swinging the bats today after last night's effort," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said. "Vlad's home run got us on the board early and let Ervin (Santana) settle down and make pitches."

Anaheim's offensive catalyst was Guerrero, who opened the scoring with a first-inning two-run homer off Baltimore lefthander Garrett Olson. Guerrero also ripped a long two-run single in the fourth to make it 9-1.

Garret Anderson had three hits and two RBI while Mark Teixeira added a pair of hits and scored three runs for Anaheim, which won for the sixth time in nine meetings with Baltimore this season.

The Angels provided plenty of support for the All-Star Santana (13-5), who allowed four runs and eight hits in seven innings to win his second straight start. The righthander struck out seven and did not walk a batter to become the sixth 13-game winner in the American League this season.

"Anytime I can get runs to work with, I will keep us in the game and get a win," Santana said. "I felt very good and just happy to get the win. So far this is a good year for me and I just have to forget about this start and be ready for my next one."

Olson (8-6) lost for the first time in his last four outings, surrendering six runs and seven hits in just 2 2/3 innings.

"Olson just didn't locate his pitches today," Orioles manager Dave Trembley said. "He pitched up in the zone and gave up some runs in some innings. He pitched behind too much in the count against a good lineup."

Nick Markakis belted a three-run homer off Santana in the fifth inning for Baltimore, which concluded its nine-game road trip with a 5-4 record.

"It was a long road trip and I think it's going to be good to head back home," Markakis said. "We'll regroup and come out playing hard on Friday."