Twins Can't Catch Streaking Angels In 4th Straight Loss, 5-2
ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — The Minnesota Twins are still struggling to regain their stride out of the All-Star break, and that's given them little chance to keep pace with the surging Los Angeles Angels this week.
Huston Street became the 27th pitcher to record 300 career saves, Kole Calhoun had three hits and drove in two runs, and the Angels beat the Twins 5-2 on Wednesday night for their seventh straight victory.
Brian Dozier had an early two-run single for the Twins, who have lost four straight in California, including two to the Angels. Minnesota has lost eight straight games to Los Angeles overall, and hasn't won at Angel Stadium since July 23, 2013.
Minnesota left seven runners on base in a frustrating three-inning stretch against C.J. Wilson (8-7), who got Eddie Rosario on a grounder to escape a bases-loaded jam with his 105th pitch in the fifth. Four relievers finished up with scoreless innings, stranding five more runners.
"We had baserunners throughout, but we only had one hit with runners in scoring position that got us a couple of runs," Minnesota manager Paul Molitor said. "On the other side of the coin, we couldn't keep the leadoff man off base. It seemed like every inning you're playing defense under pressure. Again, we had a chance to make a few plays, but we didn't. They're a very opportunistic team, and they're taking advantage of it right now."
Mike Pelfrey (5-7) pitched six innings of nine-hit ball for the Twins in his fifth consecutive loss, extending a seven-start winless skid since June 7.
"I didn't think my stuff was very good tonight, but I think I did a good job of throwing strikes," Pelfrey said. "My mindset was to keep the ball down and get some ground balls, but that's a pretty good team over there, and they're pretty hot right now. They made it tough on me."
Johnny Giavotella had three hits and scored three runs for the Angels, who briefly trailed for the first time during their winning streak in the third inning — but reclaimed the lead later in the inning. Chris Iannetta homered and Albert Pujols had an RBI double for the Angels (54-40), who have won 13 of 15 while streaking to the top of the AL West.
Angel Stadium set off a fireworks display when Street retired Trevor Plouffe on a bunt attempt to end Los Angeles' 17th win in 20 games. The 31-year-old Street became the second-youngest closer to hit the milestone, behind former Angels closer Francisco Rodriguez.
"More than anything, what I appreciate about it is you know all the work you put in, but you also know how many good teammates you've played with," Street said. "I've pitched in a bunch of great bullpens. There's eight innings of winning baseball that has to be played before I even take the mound, and I always just approached my job as I'm just one guy trying to make one pitch at a time."
TROUT BACK
Mike Trout went 0 for 4, starting as the Angels' DH before taking over in center field for the seventh. The AL MVP sat out his first game of the season Tuesday with a sore left heel.
TRAINER'S ROOM
Twins: Rookie DH Miguel Sano went 0 for 3 with two walks in his return from a two-game absence with a sprained right ankle.
Angels: RHP Jered Weaver isn't quite ready to return from an injured left hip that has kept him out since June 21. He plans to throw another simulated game or make a minor-league start first.
UP NEXT
Twins: Ervin Santana (1-0, 3.66 ERA) faces his longtime Angels teammates in just his fourth start of the season.
Angels: Garrett Richards (10-6, 3.24 ERA) has ramped up to last season's near-unhittable form, capped by a shutout of Boston in his last start.
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