Soriano's gem lifts Angels to victory over Mariners

Starter Jose Soriano shut the Mariners' lineup down, while Luis Rengifo and the Angels' lineup did the rest in a 5-1 victory on Tuesday night at T-Mobile Park.

Soriano (6-7) followed in Tyler Anderson's footsteps, converting the second straight quality start to open the series for the Angels. He allowed just three hits, but also conceded three walks.

In total, the righty tossed 100 pitches even (59 strikes), working through 7 2/3 innings and striking out five. 

The lineup, which saw Luis Rengifo return, put up five runs courtesy of a five-run fifth inning. Rengifo had two RBI in the contest.

The Angels are now 44-57 and have won the first two of the series. Seattle (53-50) will look to avoid the sweep on Wednesday.

Soriano dominates

It was smooth sailing for the majority of the right-hander’s start as he provided his deepest appearance since June 12.

He would allow just one hit through the first four innings, using very efficient work to keep his pitch count down. The lone run surrendered by Soriano came in the bottom of the fifth, where he surrendered a leadoff double, wild pitch and walk to start the frame. Fortunately, Cade Marlow would score the Seattle run on a double play that limited the damage.

Soriano went spotless in the sixth and seventh, working 1-2-3 innings to get him to the eighth. In the eighth, he would ultimately be pulled after conceding a two-out walk to Victor Robles.

The 25-year-old has now tossed quality starts in each of his last three appearances, going 2-1 in that time frame. With the victory on Tuesday, he is now 6-7 and holds a 3.53 ERA. Soriano continues to be a promising young arm in the rotation that will only improve with more opportunity.

Rengifo returns

The Angels’ had one of their best hitters back in the lineup for the first time since July 3. Hitting .315 prior to his injury, he once again returned with an impact.

Rengifo finished 1-4, but provided a two-run single in the fifth inning that helped extend the Los Angeles lead to 5-0.

The 2-RBI day brought him to 27 this season.

It was an impressive return for the 27-year-old, who is another likely candidate to be dealt away at the trade deadline. In the meantime, he will be welcomed back to the lineup as he provides a much-needed boost of hitting.

Joyce escapes trouble

As Soriano exited the game with two outs and runners on first and second, Ben Joyce entered to get out of the jam.

He walked the first batter he faced, Cal Raleigh, to load the bases up and get the tying run to the plate. Joyce would get Jorge Polanco to flyout and escape the situation unscathed.

It was a big moment for Joyce, who retired Polanco in just two pitches. His season ERA is now down to 2.60, and he has not allowed an earned run since June 11. Just like Carlos Estevez, Joyce has found himself on an impressive groove.

Thanks to his clutch work on Tuesday, the Angels were able to escape trouble and clinch the series over Seattle.

The Angels and Mariners will meet for the series finale at 12:40 p.m. Wednesday. Griffin Canning (3-10, 5.20 ERA) will start against Seattle’s Luis Castillo (8-10, 3.55 ERA).