ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) – C.J. Wilson pitched seven dominant innings of one-hit ball, C.J. Cron hit a three-run homer and the Los Angeles Angels moved to the brink of the AL West title with a 5-0 victory over the Seattle Mariners on Wednesday night.
The major league-leading Angels (95-57) reduced their magic number to one in their division race with the Oakland Athletics. Los Angeles will clinch its first AL West title since 2009 with one more victory or one loss by the A’s.
Howie Kendrick sparked the Angels’ five-run rally in the seventh by scoring from first base when Chris Denorfia misplayed David Freese’s single to right for an error.
Los Angeles’ surge broke up a pitchers’ duel between Wilson and Seattle rookie James Paxton, who traded zeros until the seventh.
The Angels clinched a playoff spot Monday. They have won 12 of 14.