José Soriano pitched 7 2/3 innings, allowing just one run, while Luis Rengifo returned from injury with a crucial two-run single as the Los Angeles Angels defeated the Seattle Mariners 5-1 on Tuesday night.
The Angels secured their sixth win in eight games, largely due to Soriano’s strong outing. He threw over 100 pitches for the first time this season and struck out five batters, yielding only three hits. Soriano’s lone blemish was allowing a run in the fifth inning following a leadoff double by Jason Vosler.
“He had great control and command tonight,” Soriano commented through an interpreter.
Manager Ron Washington praised Soriano’s performance, emphasizing the importance of his lengthy outing to help the team.
Seattle struggled offensively once again, losing for the seventh time in eight games. Their woes continued as they placed Julio Rodríguez and J.P. Crawford on the injured list and designated Ty France for assignment earlier in the day. The Mariners have scored two runs or fewer in six of their last seven losses.
Manager Scott Servais acknowledged the team’s current challenges, noting the inevitable ups and downs of a season and the need to persevere through adversity.
In the eighth inning, Seattle threatened by loading the bases with two outs, but Ben Joyce induced Jorge Polanco to fly out to center field, escaping the jam and preserving the Angels’ lead.
