Angels sweep doubleheader, leapfrog Twins in wild-card race

The Los Angeles Angels needed help Friday to gain ground in the AL wild-card race.

This recent slump feels a bit different, to manager Paul Molitor. The 31-year-old yielded four runs (two earned) and nine hits in six innings at Los Angeles on July 22. They haven’t had a longer losing streak overall or at home since dropping their final six games of 2013. “So I think he’s going to be OK”. Like we’ve said all along, it’s kind of more in pencil. “You know you just can’t control if it’s going to be enough when you’re chasing”. The Angels, who are four games behind first-place Texas in the AL West, received an encouraging spark later in the day as Albert Pujols snapped an 0-for-25 skid with two hits and two RBIs in the second game, but the three-time MVP remains homerless since September 2. Starting every game since his return, Freese has hit.356/.387/.475.

Duffey handled both lineups well in his only exposure to those American League Central opponents.

In his next at-bat, Sano was intentionally walked by Angels reliever Fernando Salas, marking the first intentional walk for the standout rookie in his career. What would be even sweeter, though, is to win the division so we don’t have to deal with the heart attack that goes with a one-game playoff. “Not being able to play during a tight playoff race, it’s frustrating, but things happen”, Shoemaker told reporters.

“It was a battle out there today, they’re a good team”, Gibson said. “We’ll have enough time between games to figure it out”. Hunter’s shot to left field was his 21st of the season and put Minnesota up 1-0 early.

Alex Rodriguez #13 of the New York Yankees celebrates with teammate Brian McCann #34 after hitting a home run off of pitcher Jake Odorizzi of the Tampa Bay Rays during the first inning of a game on September 15, 2015 at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida. Tyler Duffey is the Twins’ best starter right now, and they can’t take him out of the rotation.

It’s a fine line, because the Twins want to protect Duffey’s arm, although he’s shown no signs of wearing down late in the season.

“It’s not like we have a need to slot him in anywhere right now”, Molitor said.

That would remain the score until the eighth inning when Joe Mauer hit his ninth home run of the season to boost the lead to seven runs.

“Kole hit a rocket”, Angels manager Mike Scioscia said.

The Angels open a crucial three-game series at Houston on Monday night.

The Angels are on a seven-game road swing and head to Houston after Sunday’s series finale. Santana is 3-10 against the Indians.