SEATTLE – Mike Trout had four hits and drove in three runs in Los Angeles' 8-4 victory over the Seattle Mariners on Monday night but it was not enough to keep the Angels in the playoff chase.
The Angels, with a high payroll and high expectations as the season started, were eliminated from the wild-card race after the Oakland Athletics' 4-3 victory over the Texas Rangers on Monday.
The Angels, carrying the fourth-highest payroll in the majors, had signed first baseman Albert Pujols to a 10-year, $254 million deal during the offseason then added left-hander C.J. Wilson for another $77.5 million. Those aggressive free-agent moves could earn the Angels (89-71) 90 victories but no postseason, even with one additional wild-card spot.
Wilson (13-10) went 6 1-3 innings for the victory. He allowed six hits and two runs, striking out seven and walking five.
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