Anaheim, CA (Sports Network) - Justin Masterson tossed six-plus scoreless
innings, Brent Lillibridge hit a solo homer and the Indians defeated the
Angels, 6-2, on Monday in the opener of a three-game series.
Masterson (9-10) scattered six hits, walked three, struck out four and
improved to 3-0 in seven career starts against the Angels.
Jason Donald and Asdrubal Cabrera had back-to-back RBI singles in the third
inning for the Indians, who are just 10-21 since the All-Star break despite
having won four of their last six games.
C.J. Wilson (9-9) dropped his fifth straight decision, allowing three runs --
two earned -- on six hits with a walk and five strikeouts over 6 2/3 innings.
The lefty hasn't recorded a win since June 26 -- a span of nine starts. He was
relieved by LaTroy Hawkins after attempting to catch a line drive with his
bare hand.
Albert Pujols cut the Angels' deficit to 3-2 with a two-run, eighth-inning
homer, but the Indians responded with three runs in the ninth. They loaded the
bases on three straight singles off of Hisanori Takahashi before Jason
Isringhausen walked Lou Marson, gave up a sacrifice fly to Jason Kipnis, and
allowed Casey Kotchman to score on a wild pitch.
Chris Perez entered with runners on first and second in the bottom half and
recorded three straight strikeouts for his 32nd save of the season, sending
the Angels to their ninth loss in 12 games.
The Sports Network