ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) – Albert Pujols and C.J. Cron hit two-run homers, and the Los Angeles Angels surged within a half-game of playoff position with an 8-4 victory over the Seattle Mariners on Friday night.
Mike Trout went 3 for 5 with an RBI double as the Angels (79-74) won their third straight and nearly closed the gap on the Houston Astros (80-74), who lost to Texas, for the second AL wild card spot.
Los Angeles also moved past the Minnesota Twins (78-75), who lost at Detroit.
Johnny Giavotella tripled and drove in two runs in his return from a 31-game injury absence for the late-charging Angels. They dropped to the fringe of the pennant race while going 10-19 in August, but they’re 14-8 in September, including six wins in eight games.