Mariners 3 - 1 Angels
Final
  for this game

Weaver, King Felix square off at the Big A

Sep 18, 2014 - 2:28 PM (SportsNetwork.com) - Now that the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim have secured the American League West title they can focus on finishing with the league's best record.

They'll try to take another step toward that goal on Thursday when they close out a four-game series with the playoff hopeful Seattle Mariners at Angel Stadium.

Los Angeles claimed its first division crown since 2009 on Wednesday, as C.J. Wilson shut down the Mariners for seven innings and C.J. Cron hit a timely three-run homer in a 5-0 win.

The Angels' 18th win in their last 22 games, coupled with an Oakland loss against Texas, gave Los Angeles the title.

"It's a great feeling, but this is one step. We have to finish strong, we want the feeling of holding the trophy," Angels first baseman Albert Pujols said.

Wilson (13-9) struck out seven and allowed just a hit and three walks. He threw just 95 pitches, but was given the last two innings off after LA's offense erupted for five runs in the bottom of the seventh.

"Give C.J. credit," said Mariners manager Lloyd McClendon. "He made quality pitches all night."

Seattle, which has lost three of four, remained two games back of the second wild card spot in the AL.

A terrific pitchers' duel is on tap for the finale, as the Angels will send Jered Weaver to the hill to face Felix Hernandez.

Weaver has been the most consistent part of the Angels' rotation, and leads the AL in both starts (32) and wins (17). Weaver won for the fifth time in six decisions on Saturday against Houston, as he allowed just a run and four hits in seven innings to run his record to 17-8, while lowering his ERA to 3.50.

He is 14-9 lifetime versus the Mariners with a 3.29 ERA in 30 starts.

As good as Weaver has been, though, Hernandez has been even better. He is 14-5 with a 2.14 ERA and ranks first in the AL in WHIP (0.92) and quality starts (26), second in ERA and innings (219), third in opponent's batting average (.202) and fourth in strikeouts (225).

"It's not different," Hernandez said of the playoff stretch run. "It's fun. You're fighting for one spot in the Wild Card and we're enjoying playing."

The Angels have always posed a problem for the former AL Cy Young Award winner, as he is just 10-13 lifetime against them with a 3.69 ERA in 38 starts.

Seattle is 8-7 against the Angels this season.






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