Los Angeles Angels thrash Minnesota Twins 5-1 – MLB Update
Los Angeles Angels thrashed Minnesota Twins 5-1 at the Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota on Monday, April 9 in their regular season encounter of the 2012 Major League Baseball.
C.J. Wilson finally received the applause he deserved as he earned his first win of the season. Wilson was ignored for most of the offseason by the simultaneous arrival of Albert Pujols. However, he showed just why is so special for the Angels on Monday
night, pitching with great control and accuracy to help his team improve their regular season win-loss record to 2-2.
In cold and windy conditions, Wilson won his Angels debut by pitching seven strong innings. Allowing just three hits and striking out five batters, he produced a match winning performance for his side. Only Josh Willingham managed to get a run off him with
a home run. Wilson looked very pleased at the end of the contest but he was also casual about his spotlight performance.
"We have a long way to go. We just have to concentrate on playing the best baseball we can. It doesn't really have anything to do with who's hitting the home run or who's getting the win," he said.
"They play the game at a fast pace, and it's good to see and it's the way we have to go about doing it," manager Mike Scioscia said.
Pujols had an ordinary time on the plate as he went 0 for 4 but he made a significant contribution with his hustle to third on a single to centre, scoring Angels’ first run. Angels’ shortstop Erick Aybar displayed some high quality defensive skills to stretch
Angels’ lead in the seventh inning.
"That's how you win the game. Just do the little things," Aybar said.
Twins’ starter Nick Blackburn looked a bit out of sorts as he gave up five runs in six innings to concede his first loss of the season. However, even in a loss there were some bright spots for Blackburn as he registered 15 straight outs in one stretch and
he allowed just five hits. Minnesota, who lost their home opener, will be looking to get things back on track in their next regular season outing.
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