Kansas City, MO – Jason Vargas tossed 7 1/3 solid innings and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim held off the Kansas City Royals, 5-2, in the second contest of a four-game series.
Vargas (4-3) gave up two runs on five hits while walking four for the Angels, who have won six in a row for the first time since Sept. 3-9, 2012.
"It ended up working out today that we came out on top," Vargas said. "I was able to get ahead early and I was able to use that to my advantage. We made some good plays out there. We were able to keep them from really putting a big inning together."
Chris Iannetta hit a solo homer for Los Angeles, which got an RBI apiece from Mark Trumbo, Howie Kendrick and Alberto Callaspo.
Kansas City starter Luis Mendoza allowed one run on seven hits while walking four over five innings. Luke Hochevar (0-1) gave up two runs on two hits over one-plus frames to take the loss.
Miguel Tejada hit a solo homer for the Royals, who have dropped three straight. Chris Getz had an RBI.
"I don't feel like we're pressing," Royals designated hitter Billy Butler said. "I just feel like we're not catching some breaks here or there. It's a tough night."
With the score tied 2-2, the Angels scored three runs in the seventh to take the lead. Mike Trout walked prior to Aaron Crow coming into the game for the Royals. Trout then stole second on a disputed call. Albert Pujols walked and Trumbo hit an RBI single to left. After Josh Hamilton flied out, Kendrick hit a sacrifice fly. Callaspo followed with an RBI double to left, making it 5-2.
Garrett Richards tossed 1 2/3 scoreless innings of relief to secure the victory.
The Angels loaded the bases with two outs in the first inning. Kendrick hit a grounder to shortstop Alcides Escobar, who made a great leaping throw to nail Kendrick and save a run.
Each team scored a run in the third. In the top half, Trout and Pujols hit consecutive singles. Trout moved to third when Trumbo grounded into a double play and raced home on a wild pitch.
Tejada homered to left in the bottom half.
The Royals took the lead in the fifth on Getz's RBI single to center that deflected off shortstop Erick Aybar. Kansas City went on to load the bases with two outs, but Alex Gordon lined out.
Iannetta's homer in the sixth tied the game at two.
Game Notes
Vargas picked up his fourth consecutive win and hasn't lost since April 28 at Seattle. The 30-year-old improved to 6-1 lifetime versus the Royals ... Trumbo extended his hitting streak to nine games ... The Angels had 11 hits ... Kansas City went 1-for-8 with runners in scoring position and stranded seven.
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