Anaheim, CA – Peter Bourjos hit a two-run home run to help the LA Angels of Anaheim take a 5-3 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers in the rubber match on Sunday.
Garrett Richards gave up three runs on nine hits with two walks and five strikeouts through 6 2/3 innings in the start for the Angels, who have won four of five. Scott Downs (1-0) got the win for tossing one inning of scoreless ball.
"When guys get on base I don't feel any pressure," said Richards. "I've worked on my composure and making quality pitches. My job as a starter is to give us a chance to win."
Dee Gordon had two hits and drove in a run for the Dodgers, who have lost five of their last six games. Aaron Harang gave up three runs on eight hits over six innings in the start and Josh Lindblom (2-2) was charged with the loss after giving up two runs in the seventh.
"I thought our bats were solid all series," said Dodgers manager Don Mattingly. "We have to give ourselves a few more chances to get them in. The Angels are tough, aggressive and a good club."
The Dodgers got on the board in the first inning when Andre Ethier doubled with two outs and came home as Bobby Abreu followed with a single for a 1-0 lead.
It was 2-0 in the second thanks to Gordon's groundout that scored Adam Kennedy, but the Angels tied the game in the bottom of the frame as Erick Aybar worked a one-out walk and Bourjos followed with his second homer of the season.
The score stayed the way until the fifth when the Angels took the lead. Mike Trout led off with a single and later stole second. Albert Pujols then punched a single to center for a 3-2 lead.
The Dodgers again tied the game in the sixth as Juan Rivera doubled, moved to third on a James Loney groundout and came home thanks to Kennedy's sacrifice fly.
In the seventh, the Angels went ahead for good. With two outs, Pujols walked and Kendrys Morales was hit by a pitch. Mark Trumbo then singled home Pujols and Howie Kendrick scored Morales with a base hit for a 5-3 lead.
Downs got the first two outs of the eighth before Ivan De Jesus walked. Ernesto Frieri then took the mound and De Jesus was caught stealing to end the frame.
Jerry Hairston Jr. led off the ninth with a single, but Frieri set the next three batters down in order for his ninth save of the season.
Game Notes
Pujols' walk in the seventh inning was his 1,000th free pass of his career...The Angels won four of the six games against the Dodgers this season...The Angels start a two-game set in Baltimore on Tuesday...The Dodgers begin a three-game series in San Francisco in Monday.
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