Takeaway
Angels starter C.J. Wilson was dominant with a two-hit, eight-inning shutout in a 2-0 win (box score) over the Mariners to even the season-opening series at one game apiece. Since 2005, Wilson has more wins against Seattle than any other pitcher.
Essential moment
In the fourth inning after Albert Pujols doubled, David Freese homered to right center.
Pitchers
LHP James Paxton went strong six innings, giving up five hits with five strikeouts a walk (87 pitches, 52 strikes) but the one mistake to Freese was more than Wilson made. Wilson (98 pitches, 64 strikes) struck out two and walked two.
Hitters
Rickie Weeks and Nelson Cruz had singles. That was it. Angels star Mike Trout had a double but two more strikeouts for five in the series.
Words
Mariners manager Lloyd McClendon: “(Wilson) has been tough against us and tonight was no different. He pitched a helluva game. I thought Paxton was outstanding. The other guy was better.”
Noteworthy
Against lefthander Wilson, McClendon started Weeks as DH and batted leadoff. Cruz had his first start in right field, Justin Ruggiano started in left field . . . Reliever Tyler Olson, the Gonzaga University rookie from Spokane, made his major league debut in the eighth inning and induced a 5-4-3 double play on his first pitch . . . The crowd of 26,545 was a big uptick from the second game vs. Angels on a Wednesday: 16,468.
Next
Wednesday at Safeco: RH Hisashi Iwakuma (15-9, 3.52 in ‘14) vs. RH Matt Shoemaker (16-4, 3.04 in ‘14) . Root Sports TV, 710 ESPN radio.
YourThoughts