Pujols, Rendon homer, Angels rout Mariners
Published 1:30 am Tuesday, July 28, 2020
Associated Press
ANAHEIM, Calif. — Anthony Rendon hit a two-run homer and reached base three times in his Angels debut, and Albert Pujols added his 657th career homer in Los Angeles’ 10-2 victory over the Seattle Mariners on Tuesday night.
Rendon’s homer to left field in the eighth inning brought home Mike Trout and capped an encouraging home opener for the Angels, who got their second win after losing three of four in Oakland to start the shortened season.
Max Stassi hit a three-run homer, Shohei Ohtani had a long RBI double and Justin Upton drove in two runs as the Halos won their home opener for only the second time in eight years.
Pujols’ solo homer to left in the fifth — his first since turning 40 last winter — pulled him within three of Willie Mays (660) for fifth place in baseball history. The three-time NL MVP has homered in 20 consecutive major league seasons.
Tim Lopes went deep for the Mariners, who lost three of four in Houston to start the season.
Justus Sheffield (0-1) didn’t get an out in the fourth inning of his eighth career start for the Mariners, yielding four hits and four runs.
Patrick Sandoval pitched four-hit ball into the fifth for the Angels, but the Orange County native couldn’t stick around long enough for his first career victory. The left-hander got a late start at summer camp after recovering from COVID-19, but still earned a rotation spot.
Ryan Buchter (1-0) worked a perfect sixth inning to earn his first win with Los Angeles.
Trainer’s room
Mariners catcher Austin Nola was scratched shortly before game time. Seattle didn’t immediately disclose the reason. LHP Taylor Guilbeau was optioned to make roster room for C Joe Odom, who made his major-league debut.
