Gonzalez earns first ML win as O's top Angels
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
Miguel Gonzalez earned his first major league win, Steve Pearce hit a three-run homer, and the Orioles defeated the Angels, 3-2, on Friday.
Gonzalez (1-0) lasted seven innings in his first career start, giving up just one run -- a Mark Trumbo homer -- on three hits. The 28-year-old righty walked two and stuck out six.
"Miguel was good. (I'm) real proud of him. He had good command of his fastball and it opened up a lot of other pitches," said Orioles manager Buck Showalter.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
Pearce's fifth-inning blast was the difference for Baltimore, which had dropped five of its previous six meetings with the Angels this season, including the opener of this four-game series on Thursday.
C.J. Wilson (9-5) suffered his first loss since May 17, allowing three runs on four hits over seven frames. He had won his previous five decisions.
"When I'm on the mound I expect a better result than tonight," said Wilson. "When you have a result less than your best, you only have yourself to blame."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
Mike Trout cut Anaheim's deficit to 3-2 with an eighth-inning homer, but Troy Patton retired Kendrys Morales with runners on the corners to end the inning and Jim Johnson picked up his 26th save of the season with a 1-2-3 ninth.
Darren O'Day gave up Trout's two-out blast to deep center and Torii Hunter's subsequent triple off the right-field wall, then intentionally walked Albert Pujols before giving way to Patton. Morales entered Friday's action with a nine-game hit streak, but saw that come to an end with a fly out to shallow right.
Pearce's deciding homer -- his third of the season -- came after Wilson Betemit led off with a single and Mark Reynolds followed with a walk.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
"It was a fastball," said Pearce. "It feels great to hit a three run homer off a good pitcher."
Wilson lamented, "I can't get that one pitch back."
Game Notes
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
Gonzalez made his major league debut on May 29 and has made three relief appearances for the Orioles this season. He pitched at least 3 1/3 innings in all three appearances...The Orioles improved to 21-1 this season when their starters pitch at least seven innings.