Seattle, WA (SportsNetwork.com) - What could've been a routine 1-2-3 third inning turned into anything but.
Corey Hart smacked two homers, including a three-run shot as part of a four- run Seattle third, and the Mariners beat the LA Angels of Anaheim, 5-3, in the opener of a brief two-game set.
It was 3-0 in favor of the Halos going into the third and Hector Santiago (0-2) recorded two quick outs before Brad Miller struck out swinging, but advanced to first on a wild pitch.
Robinson Cano, who went 0-for-3 in his home debut, then walked and Justin Smoak's base hit plated Miller. Hart lined a three-run shot into the left field seats to put Seattle in front.
Hart launched a solo shot to center in the seventh to make it 5-3 and Fernando Rodney fired a scoreless ninth to notch his second save of the year.
James Paxton (2-0) yielded three runs on four hits over five innings to pick up the win for Seattle, which swept the season-opening, three-game series against the Angels.
Santiago surrendered four runs on five hits and three walks over 4 1/3 frames for the Halos, who fell to 3-5 on the young campaign.
The Angels jumped on the Mariners early following a three-run first.
After Mike Trout hit a one-out single, Pujols belted a two-run blast to left. Freese followed with a solo shot to center for a 3-0 cushion.
Paxton retired the last 14 Angels he faced, but left with a strained left lat muscle.
Game Notes
The Mariners were 2-for-9 with runners in scoring position, while the Halos finished 0-for-4 with RISP ... Smoak has nine RBI this season.
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