July 5, 2017

Parker Bridwell pitched six shutout innings and Kole Calhoun hit a home run as the Angels got by the  Twins 2-1 on Wednesday night at Target Field.

Bridwell gave up just four hits during his 98-pitch performance, improving his record to 3-1 on the season.  He struck out five and walked three.

Calhoun gave the Angels a 1-0 lead in the 1st inning with a solo blast, it was his 12th of the season, coming off of former Angel Ervin Santana.

“I wouldn’t say that early run was any comfort level. We had to keep going,” skipper Mike Scioscia said. “We just did a really good job on the mound and held those guys down tonight.”

It would stay that way until the 6th inning, when Cameron Maybin stole home on a successful double steal attempt, with Calhoun taking 2nd.

The Twins would get on the board in the 7th after an RBI single by Brian Dozier.  However, that’s as close as they would get.

Bud Norris pitched a perfect 9th inning to record his 12th save of the season.  David Hernandez and Cam Bedrosian each pitched scoreless innings of relief as well.

“Parker pitched with his back against the wall the whole game, all our guys did,” Scioscia added.

Santana (10-6) took the loss.  He pitched a complete game, giving up the two earned runs on seven hits.  He struck out five and walked two, while throwing 117 pitches.

Albert Pujols collected his 2,900th career hit in the first inning, becoming the 40th player in major league history to reach that mark.

Ricky Nolasco (4-9, 4.42 ERA) will start in Texas on Friday against Rangers LHP Cole Hamels (3-0, 4.12).  The Halos will finish up the 1st half of the season with a 3-game set against the Rangers.