Albert Pujols Jacks a Pair in Angels' Win over Rangers; Clayton Kershaw Blanks Pirates over 7 for 2nd Win

Players of the Day for Saturday, April 6, 2013

American League

Pujols: 2HR, 3RBI

Getting through the middle of the Angels' lineup promises to be a daunting task for opposing pitchers this season. With Albert Pujols, Josh Hamilton and Mark Trumbo all aiming to clear the fences, it's going to be nearly impossible to pitch around the power trio.

Texas starter, Matt Harrison, found out the hard way, giving up four first inning runs in LA's 8-4 romp.

Pujols got the Angels going with a two-run blast, the first of his two homers on the day. After a walk to Hamilton, Trumbo socked another two-run poke, staking winning pitcher, Tommy Hanson, to an early lead.

In the sixth inning, Pujols went long again, with a solo shot, his second of the game and of the year. The other three times Pujols appeared at the plate, the Angels though best to just walk him.

Off to a slow start, Pujols is batting just .188 with five RBI. The Angels, who have yet to play a home game, are 2-3, 1 1/2 games behind the Oakland A's, winners of four straight.

National League

Kershaw: 7 scoreless

Clayton Kershaw is taking no prisoners in 2013. Winning his second of the season without a loss, Kershaw humbled the Priates for seven solid innings, allowing just two harmless singles - both by Pirate leadoff hitter Starling Marte - fanning nine with one walk in the Dodgers' 1-0 victory.

It was the second time this season Kershaw has gone up the bump and returned without allowing a run. In the Dodgers' season opener, Kershaw twirled a four-hit, complete game shutout over the Giants.

In that win, Kershaw struck out nine and didn't issue any walks.

The stats for the LA lefty are impressive. Two wins, 16 innings, six hits, 16 Ks and one walk. Plus the 0.00 ERA and tiny 0.44 WHIP. Opposing hitters have managed a mere .118 average.