May 16: Angels Win With Long Ball, Astros Keep Rolling, Mariners Knock Athletics Further Into Basement

The Astros rolled into Miami and kept up their winning ways, extending their Major League-best record. The Angels continue to do Angels things - they took the first game of their series at home against the White Sox to pull back within one game of .500 and ahead of the idle Rangers. Sean Manaea had one of the strangest starts you will ever see for the A's, and the Mariners stopped a late rally to win a close one. Notes, box scores and links if you Keep Reading.

Astros (27-12)

Who can stop the Astros? Not the Marlins last night. Yuli Gurriel hit a grand slam in the 6th inning and Joe Musgrove pitched a strong 5 2/3, leading the Astros to their league-leading 27th victory. All this after Marlins starter Dan Straily no-hit the Astros into the 5th inning. The Astros have won almost 70 percent of their games. 70!

Astros 7, Marlins 2

Do the Astros have one of the best double-play combos ever?

Angels (20-21)

New day in the AL West, new team in second place. The Angels moved to the top in the 'rest of the West" rotation, taking the first in a three-game series from the White Sox. Kole Calhoun tied the game with a three-run shot and the next batter, a guy named Mike Trout, put the Halos ahead for good with a solo shot. Jesse Chavez went seven innings, giving up three runs, and Bud Norris picked up the save.

Angels 5, White Sox 3

Jessica DeLine at Halo Heaven ranks the Angels pitchers - you know, the ones not on the DL.

Rangers (19-20)

An off day in Arlington as the Rangers prepare for a series against the Phillies.

Carlos Gomez is heading for the DL.

Mariners (18-21)

The Mariners never trailed in this game, but had to hold off a 9th inning comeback attempt by the A's to hang on for the win - a welcome victory after getting swept in four games in Toronto. Yovani Gallardo, the Last Man Standing, went 6 1/3, giving up three earned runs, while Nelson Cruz and Kyle Seager both homered.

Mariners 6, Athletics 5

A win is a win, but this one was a little scary.

Athletics (16-22)

Well, that happened. Sean Manaea walked five batters in five innings while also striking out seven - you will never see a weirder, all-or-nothing performance. The A's continue to live and die by their young pitching staff - currently, it's been more death, including losing leads in three straight games in Texas last week. Also, they simply cannot win consistently on the road, going 5-14 so far this season. At six games below .500, they have the worst record in the American League.

Mariners 6, Athletics 5

How bad is the A's bullpen?





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