Mike Trout, Angels Pound Mariners, 12-0; Daniel Descalo's Five RBI Lead Cardinals over Padres

Players of the Day for Tuesday, May 21, 2013

American League

Mike Trout

The LA Angels got off to a horrible start this season, and, while they're not in last place in the AL West - that happens to be the exclusive province of the Houston Astros - they might as well be, trailing arch-rival Texas by 9 1/2 games.

If the Angels are to get back into contention, a few more games like their 12-0 pasting of Seattle will be needed, both to regain confidence and to boost their record (18-27) closer to something resembling respectability.

Jerome Williams blanked the Mariners on six hits over eight innings, and the Angels regulars cranked out 15 hits, taking the first of their two game home series in blowout fashion.

Mike Trout provided more than enough offense all by himself, singling twice, doubling and smacking his ninth homer of the season, driving in five runs and scoring twice.

Trout, last season's AL rookie of the year, hasn't been all that explosive until lately. He has his batting average up to .293, with nine HRs and 34 RBI.

The quick series concludes Wednesday at 7:05 pm PDT.

National League

Daniel Descalso

After winning the world series in 2011, the Cardinals were expected to have a fall-off, especially with the departure of manager Tony LaRussa and slugger Albert Pujols, but, the team has been resilient, if not surprising, reaching the playoffs in 2012 and currently leading the NL Central by 1 1/2 games over relentless pursuers, Cincinnati, with the Pirates just another 1/2 game back.

One of the reasons the Cardinals have been so competitive is the steady play of second baseman Daniel Descalso. Adroit in the field and trustworthy at the plate, Descalso took on the role of those usually above him in the lineup on Tuesday, powering the Cardinals to a 10-2 victory at San Diego, evening their three-game series at a game apiece.

Descalso was a perfect 3-for-3, with a single, double, home run, three scores and five RBI, enabling starter, Adam Wainwright to relax and allow just one run on four hits over 7 1/3 innings, fanning six.

The Cards continue to cling to the Central division lead and will be seeking a win in the series finale, Wednesday at 7:10 pm PDT.

Today's Trivia: The art of the swipe has been greatly diminished in baseball's recent history. Who was the last player to steal over 100 bases in a season?

Yesterday's Answer: Tony Gwinn's 1994 batting average of .394 led the National League.