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Angels play out string against Mariners

Oct 2, 2012 - 2:43 PM (Sports Network) - Money can't buy you love and it also apparently can't get you a playoff spot in the American League.

Despite an expensive overhaul last winter, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim were eliminated from playoff contention on Monday. They'll now finish out the string on Tuesday evening in the second contest of a three-game set versus the Seattle Mariners.

The Angels were major players in free agency before the 2012 campaign, adding slugging first baseman Albert Pujols and adding former Texas Rangers rival C.J. Wilson to the starting rotation.

Los Angeles, though, got off to a very slow start and even a 27-11 mark since Aug. 21 couldn't save its season. The Angels were bounced from the wild card race on Monday night despite an 8-4 win over the Mariners after the Oakland Athletics defeated the Rangers.

"We played our butts off and did what we had to do, we fought and still couldn't get in there. We had other teams playing better. It's a disappointing season for fans, for players, coaching staff, everybody. What we're going to do is regroup and come back next year ready to go and hopefully I'm a part of it," said Angels outfielder Torii Hunter.

AL Rookie of the Year candidate Mike Trout had four hits, drove in three runs and finished a homer shy of the cycle on Monday, while Howie Kendrick has four hits and drove in two runs.

Hunter, Pujols and Mark Trumbo all knocked in runs for the Angels, who have won eight of 10 and saw Wilson allowed two earned runs in the start to win his 13th game of the season.

Casper Wells had two hits, including a solo home run, while Justin Smoak and Trayvon Robinson added and RBI apiece for the Mariners, who have lost seven of their last eight games.

Felix Hernandez concluded his season on a sour note, matching a season-high with seven runs allowed on 12 hits and three walks with seven strikeouts over 5 1/3 innings. The former Cy Young winner has not won since Aug. 27 and finished 13-9 with a 3.06 earned run average on the season.

"Another fantastic year by Felix," Mariners manager Eric Wedge said.

Seattle's Hisashi Iwakuma aims for a third straight winning start tonight and he has won six of his past eight decisions. That includes a win over the Angels on Thursday as he yielded two runs -- one earned -- on seven hits in six innings. The righty also fanned three without issuing a walk.

"Hisashi threw the ball well and kept us in it," said Wedge.

The 31-year-old will wrap up his first season in the major leagues and is 8-5 with a pair of saves and 3.32 ERA in 29 games this season, including 15 starts.

Iwakuma has pitched very well versus the Angels, going 3-0 with a 1.54 ERA in four meetings, including three starts.

Dan Haren will oppose the Japanese rookie for a second straight start and got the loss in Thursday's meeting. Haren pitched well enough to keep the Angels in the game, yielding three runs -- two earned -- on six hits over 5 1/3 innings without a walk, but dropped a 9-4 decision.

"Our bullpen had a rough afternoon," said Angels manager Mike Scioscia.

The 32-year-old Haren is still 4-2 with a 2.48 ERA over his last six starts and 12-12 with a 4.32 ERA in 29 games this season.

The righty has split his four starts versus the Mariners this season, posting a solid 2.55 ERA.

The Angels are 11-6 versus the Mariners this season, taking seven of eight in Seattle.