Pujols homers twice as Angels defeat Orioles

Albert Pujols hit two home runs and the visiting Los Angeles Angels beat the Baltimore Orioles 7-2 on Saturday. It was the 59th career multi-homer game for Pujols, who homered in the first and fourth innings, and his first since July 12, 2018, against Seattle. He was 3-for-5 with three RBIs and three runs.

The two homers and a single gave Pujols 3,110 career hits, tying him with Dave Winfield for 22nd place on the all-time list. Luke Bard (1-1) pitched 1 2/3 scoreless innings of relief for the Angels, who have won 10 of 14.

Dwight Smith Jr. had a homer and a single for the Orioles, who have lost four straight. Dylan Bundy (1-5) took the loss, giving up three runs on four hits over five innings.

Angels starter Matt Harvey allowed two runs on five hits over four innings. He threw 93 pitches and walked two while striking out six. With two outs and Mike Trout on first in the top of the first, Pujols homered to left on a 1-0 fastball.

The 2-0 lead was short-lived as Baltimore's Jonathan Villar doubled to open the bottom of the first and with one out and Smith lined a homer to right. Baltimore's first two batters reached via singles in the third, but Harvey struck out Rio Ruiz and Stevie Wilkerson. After a walk loaded the bases, Joey Rickard flied out.

Pujols led off the fourth and sent a 2-0 fastball out to left, just beyond the reach of a leaping Smith. The Angels gained some breathing room with a three-run sixth.

After the Angels loaded the bases with one out, Kole Calhoun singled home a run, Pujols scored on a fielder's choice in which all runners were safe, and Jonathan Lucroy scored on a force out at second. --Field Level Media

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