Luis Rengifo’s opportune bat continues to generate dividends for the Los Angeles Angels and continues to give them unforgettable moments.
On Friday, in the 8-7 victory against the Seattle Mariners, the Venezuelan hit a pair of home runs for the first time in his career and was decisive for the Californians.
Sensation Julio Rodriguez put the Mariners ahead with a solo home run in the first inning. But immediately Taylor Ward turned the score around by driving in two with a single to left field.
Luis Rengifo dispatched the first of his connections in the third inning, against left-hander Robbie Ray, to extend the Angels’ lead to 3-2.
Matt Duffy drove in a fourth streak for the Angels in that same inning with a line drive to center. From there everything was resolved by force.
A home run by Carlos Santana in the fourth inning added two to the Mariners’ tally. And in the next inning Mike Trout responded with a solo home run to keep his team up 5-3.
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The Mariners pulled one back in the top of the sixth on a hit by Sam Haggerty. And then Luis Rengifo appeared again to make a difference that could give Californians peace of mind.
In the bottom of the sixth, off a pitch from Matthew Festa, Rengifo hit the ball to left field and drove in three runs to make it 8-4.
Ty France and Carlos Santana also left for the Mariners. But that was not enough to dodge the setback.
Michael Lorenzen (7-6) got the win and Ryan Tepera (3) got the save, while Robbie Ray (12-10) took the loss.
Luis Rengifo went 3-for-5 with four RBIs and improved his average to .275. He also hit 13 homers so far this season.