Angels 6 - 1 Orioles
Final
  for this game

Santana strong for Angels, Wells hits slam in win over Orioles

Jul 23, 2011 - 5:23 AM Baltimore, MD (Sports Network) - Ervin Santana was brilliant for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, giving up one run on three hits over 7 2/3 innings in a 6-1 victory over the Baltimore Orioles in the opener of a three game series at Camden Yards.

Vernon Wells cracked a grand slam in the ninth to break the game open while Maicer Izturis and Torii Hunter chipped in with seventh-inning RBI doubles for the Angels, who have won three in a row.

"Every game we need, that's what is fun about being over here, is playing meaningful baseball after the All-Star break," Wells said of his tenure with the Angels. "I don't think I've had a chance to do that so this will be a fun run."

Santana (5-8) took a no-hitter into the sixth, fanned one and walked one to remain unbeaten over his last five starts. Hisanori Takahashi tossed the final two frames to earn his first save of the season.

The temperature in Baltimore at first-pitch was 104 degrees, the second- highest game time temperature at Camden Yards since a 105 degree game back in 1999.

J.J. Hardy knocked in the lone run with an RBI double and Blake Davis added a double for the Orioles, who were blanked by the Red Sox on Wednesday.

Alfredo Simon (2-3) went 6 2/3 innings, giving up a pair of runs on six hits while striking out three and walking one.

The Angels broke the scoreless tie in the seventh. Mike Trout smacked a one-out double, and after a groundout from Jeff Mathis, Izturis came up big with an RBI double down the right field line. Hunter followed with an RBI double of his own off Jason Berken.

The Orioles got on the board in the eighth on a two-out RBI single by Hardy. Takahashi came in relief of Santana and got Nick Markakis to bounce out to first to strand two runners on base.

Los Angeles put the game out of reach when Wells clubbed a grand slam off Orioles closer Kevin Gregg with two down in the ninth.

"Vernon got a big hit in the ninth to break it open," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said. "It was a much closer game than the score would indicate. Ervin pitched with his back against the wall most of the night, and pitched very well."

The Angels threatened in the third inning when Trout singled and advanced to second on a perfect sacrifice bunt by Mathis. After an Izturis fly-out, Hunter drew a walk to give the Angels runners on first and second with two down. Simon battled back to strike out Bobby Abreu.

Los Angeles mounted a threat again in the fourth. This time, the Angels loaded the bases with one out for Trout, who popped one up to second and was called out via the infield-fly rule. Mathis then grounded out to end the inning.

Baltimore picked up its first hit of the game with one out in the sixth on a double down the left field line by Davis. Santana regained his composure following the hit and got Hardy to fly out and Markakis to ground out.

"He made some pitches, he was able to use his offspeed stuff for strikes," Orioles catcher Matt Wieters said of Simon's outing. "He battled out there and did a great job for us tonight."

Game Notes

This was the first meeting between the teams this season...Baltimore is 30-37 against right-handed starters...The Orioles are 3-5 on their current 10-game homestand...Wells' grand slam was his 15th home run of the season and his sixth career grand slam.






Related News