The Angels scored five runs on only two hits in the bottom of the first inning but their 5-0 lead was erased when starter C.J. Wilson gave up five runs on six hits in the top of the second inning.
The Angels would only score in two more innings - once on Mike Trout's seventeenth home run of the season and a late insurance run. It was all enough as a settled-down C.J. went five inning and allowed only one more run. He gave way to Mike Morin, Kevin Jepsen, Ernesto Frieri and Joe Smith who combined to preserve a one-run lead for three innings and a two-run lead for Smith's Save.
The Angels finished with eight runs on eight hits while the Twins plated six on eleven hits. The five first inning runs were for the most part gifted to the club by Twins starter Kyle Gibson. He came into the game having not allowed a run in 22 innings but saw four plated before he even got an out. He allowed seven earned runs through two Innings Pitched.
Wilson's gutlessness was shocking as he lazily tossed over to 1B to keep the runner on without Albert Pujols even knowing the throw was on its way. The advancing runner eventually scored - this after beginning the inning letting two solo homers sail into the seats. Wilson threw 99 pitches in five innings and was near seventy after four. Luckily Trout's bomb - a monster shot to deep Right-Centerfield in the second inning - allowed CJ to keep a Positive Mental Attitude.
The HR was Trout's first career round-tripper against the Twinkies. He has now homered against all 14 American League opponents and he is not even 23.
The Angels got lucky in Jepsen's inning and Frieri's frame with balls that went right where thy should (but statistically will not most of the time) but the results are what matters and we will take it, Light Your Halo UP!