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Angels, Mariners both try to bounce back at Angel Stadium

Jun 17, 2013 - 2:56 PM (Sports Network) - he Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim try to get themselves back into the win column on Monday when they begin a four-game series with the Seattle Mariners at Angel Stadium.

Los Angeles saw its three-game winning streak come to an end on Sunday against the New York Yankees, but made things interesting in the ninth inning, as the Angels scored five times before finally falling, 6-5.

Jered Weaver (1-3) put the Angels in an early hole, but lasted six innings, permitted seven hits and four walks while striking out six and allowing five runs.

Still, the Angels had a chance to win it and sent 11 batters to the plate in the final inning, but Mariano Rivera struck out Albert Pujols with the bases loaded to end the game.

"The fight's always there, it's just we really executed well in the ninth inning," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said. "I think some guys off the bench did a good job with some situational hitting. Unfortunately, we couldn't get that tying run across."

Getting the call for the Halos on Monday will be lefty Jason Vargas, who lost for the first time in six decisions his last time out. Vargas lost to Baltimore last Tuesday, as he surrendered three runs and seven hits in 6 2/3 innings to fall to 5-4 to go along with a 3.74 ERA.

Vargas, of course, spent the last four years pitching for Seattle, but lost to them earlier this season in his only other start against them.

The Angels stand a good chance of bouncing back on Monday, as they go up against veteran right-hander Aaron Harang, who has never beaten them, going 0-3 with an 8.02 ERA in five starts.

Harang, though, was terrific on Tuesday, as he struck out 10 in a two-hit shutout over the Houston Astros to run his record to 3-6, while lowering his ERA to 5.60. He's surrendered two or zero runs in five of his last seven starts.

"It comes with feel," he said. "Some days you feel great, when you can throw every pitch whenever you want in any count. And there are other days when you can't throw one pitch for strikes."

Seattle was denied a sweep in its three-game set with the American League West-leading Oakland Athletics on Sunday, dropping a 10-2 decision at O.co Coliseum.

Hisashi Iwakuma (7-2) picked up his first loss since April 23, tying a season- low with five innings pitched, allowing four runs on eight hits and three walks.

"He's not going to be perfect everytime," said Seattle manager Eric Wedge about Iwakuma. "It was a tough outing for him, but we were still in the ball game."

Seattle has split six matchups with the Angels this season.