ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) Albert Pujols hit a three-run homer off Ryan Yarbrough in the fifth inning and drove in four runs, leading the Los Angeles Angels over Tampa Bay 6-4 Sunday to drop the Rays 1+ games behind Oakland for the top AL wild card.
Seeking their first playoff berth since 2013, the Rays are 1+ games ahead of Cleveland for the AL’s second wild card.
Tampa Bay trailed 6-1 before Austin Meadows’ 31st homer, a three-run drive off Ty Buttre with two outs in the eighth. Hansel Robles struck out pinch hitter Ji-Man Choi, then worked around a leadoff walk in the ninth for his career-high 21st save in 24 chances.
After learning that two-time AL MVP Mike Trout will have foot surgery and miss the rest of the season, Los Angeles stopped a six-game losing streak. On Saturday, the Angels ensured their fourth straight losing record.
Pujols tied the score with an RBI double in the first and blew open the game with his 23rd home run this season, the 656th of his big league career.
Noe Ramirez (5-2) retired six straight batters to win in relief of rookie Patrick Sandoval, who allowed two hits in four innings but was removed after 61 pitches.
Yarbrough (11-4) gave up six runs and 10 hits in five innings. He entered with five straight no-decisions since beating Seattle on Aug. 11.
TWO-WAY STARS
Brendan McKay, the Rays’ two-way player, had his first career hit in the eighth inning. McKay, who pinch hit and singled, had been 0 for 5 at the plate. … Jared Walsh, a two-way player for the Angels, doubled in the second inning.
TRAINER’S ROOM
Rays: RHP Yonny Chirinos (right middle finger inflammation) is scheduled to throw a simulated game on Monday in Los Angeles.
UP NEXT
Rays: LHP Blake Snell (6-7, 4.28 ERA) is expected to be activated from the IL to start Tuesday against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Snell, who had loose bodies in his left elbow, has not pitched for the Rays since July 21.
Angels: LHP Jose Suarez (2-6, 6.94 ERA) is slated to start Tuesday’s series opener at the New York Yankees. He is 0-5 in 11 starts since beating Tampa Bay on June 15.
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