Mike Trout, Garrett Richards Boost Angels over Tigers; Byrce Harper's Two Homers Give Nationals a 7-6 Win over Mets

Players of the Day for Saturday, April 20, 2013

American League

Trout: GS, 4 RBI

Richards: 8 Ks

Despite their slow start, the LA Angels are letting AL champion, Detroit, know that they're serious about competing for the pennant, winning the second straight in their three-game series, by a blowout, 10-0 score.

Detroit starter, Rick Porcello, didn't get out of the first inning as the Angles sent 13 batters to the plate, scoring nine runs. Mike Trout led the opening-inning barrage with a single and a grand slam homer that sent Porcello to a very early shower.

With the huge lead, LA's Garrett Richards was able to relax, tying up the Tigers on two hits over seven scoreless innings, striking out a season-high eight without surrendering a walk. A part-time starter, Richards recorded his first win of the season, without a loss.

The Angels are just 6-10, but will go for the sweep when they host the Tigers in the series finale, Sunday at 3:35 pm ET. Detroit remained tied for first place in the Central with Kansas City.

National League

Harper: 2HR 3RBI

Bryce Harper stroked a two-run homer in the third inning and his eighth inning solo blast broke a 6-all tie, leading the Nationals to a 7-6 victory against the home-standing NY Mets.

Harper, last year's rookie of the year in the NL, was 3-for-3 with three runs and three RBI, his pair of homers giving him seven on the season. Apparently not affected by any kind of sophomore slump, Harper is batting .371 with 14 RBI.

The Nationals evened their series in New York after a 7-1 loss, Friday. The two will meet for the rubber game at 1:10 pm Sunday at Citi Field.

The result left 10-7 Washington just three games behind the Braves, who have lost two straight to the Pirates. New York is 4 1/2 out, at 8-8.

STREAKERS: Despite the recent turmoil in Beantown, the Red Sox have maintained their composure, putting together a seven-game winning streak to lead the AL East with a 12-4 record (best in the AL), two up on the Yankees in the division. In the NL West, the Rockies have surprised everybody with an eight-game streak of their own, taking a 2 1/2 game lead over San Francisco after slipping by the Diamondbacks, 4-3, on Saturday.