Associated Press
ANAHEIM, Calif. — Kole Calhoun and Andrelton Simmons each had three hits and two RBI to lead the Los Angeles Angels over the Seattle Mariners 9-3 on Tuesday night.
The Angels got 15 hits and overcame an injury to starting pitcher Garrett Richards, who left in the third inning with right forearm irritation. He is scheduled to have an MRI on Wednesday.
Simmons, seeking his first All-Star appearance as one of five candidates in online balloting for the final American League roster spot, hit a go-ahead double in a four-run fourth.
Calhoun and Albert Pujols homered to lift a Los Angeles offense that needed a boost. The Angels have won three of their past four games.
Seattle All-Star Mitch Haniger hit a three-run homer, his 18th of the season, in the first inning for a 3-0 lead against Richards, who allowed three consecutive hits to begin the game. He exited in the third while pitching to Nelson Cruz.
Richards’ velocity was down. After a 92 mph pitch, a trainer and Angels manager Mike Scioscia went to the mound, and the right-hander quickly walked off the field. Richards has been plagued by injuries during his career and this was just his second start since coming off the disabled list after being sidelined by a left hamstring strain. He struck out eight in his previous outing.
Richards gave up three runs and four hits in 2 2/3 innings. Noe Ramirez (4-3), Cam Bedrosian, Jose Alvarez, Hansel Robles and Taylor Cole combined to pitch 6 1/3 shutout innings in relief.
Mariners starter Mike Leake (8-6) allowed seven runs — five earned — and 11 hits in four innings. Seattle has lost three of four.
