Angels 7, Rockies 2
Torii Hunter dreamed of playing at Coors Field his entire career. When he finally got his chance, he didn't waste it.
Hunter homered twice and drove in six runs, leading the Los Angeles Angels over the Colorado Rockies 7-2 on Friday night.
Rookie Mike Trout had three hits and scored three times and Albert Pujols had an RBI double to back C.J. Wilson, who struck out nine in eight innings.
Hunter has played his entire 13-year career in the American League, the first nine with Minnesota, but never visited Denver during interleague play until Friday.
''My whole career I've been trying to get over here to play. I like this stadium,'' he said. ''I used to watch it on TV all the time, all these years and I was wondering if I was going to see this place before I got out of this game.''
Hunter hit two-run homers in the third and fifth innings, raising his season total to eight with three in two games. He added a two-run single in the ninth off Esmil Rogers, and Pujols followed with a two-out RBI double.
Hunter's two homers traveled a combined 874 feet.
''Great at-bats tonight. He did it all tonight,'' Angels manager Mike Scioscia said. ''When Torii's swinging it like he can, you really want to set the table for him.''
Hunter was placed on the restricted list on May 14 so he could fly home after his son, Darius McClinton-Hunter, was arrested in a sexual assault case in Prosper, Texas. He returned 15 days later but it took him a while to get back into a groove.
''I've had injuries before but you're still in baseball mode,'' he said. ''I never had to leave the game and not think about baseball. I had to put all my thoughts and my heart into my family. That's tough. I'm feeling better, my family can handle it, it feels good. This is my safe haven.''
Showing no fear of hitter-friendly Coors Field, Wilson (7-4) retired his first 11 batters before Carlos Gonzalez reached on a bunt single. Wilson faced one over the minimum until the sixth, when he gave up two of his five hits.
He was 0 for 2 at the plate but it was his performance in batting practice that let him know about the dangers of pitching here.
''I hit a ball in the second deck in BP today so that's a little bit of trepidation when I go out there,'' Wilson said. ''I tried to pitch inside the barrel and pitch off the end of the bat and not let them drive the ball. I did a good job of that.''
Wilson took exception with Gonzalez bunting for the first hit of the game.
''Anytime you have an MVP candidate drop a bunt down it's a little bit shocking,'' he said. ''I was a little bit bummed about that from a competitive standpoint because he's one of the best hitters in the league and I like challenging guys like that. I guess he just wanted to get on base.''
Todd Helton had two hits and Jordan Pacheco had an RBI triple for the Rockies, who have lost three straight.
Alex White (2-4), bidding to win his third straight decision, allowed four runs and eight hits in six innings with six strikeouts and no walks.
''I'm not displeased at all with what Alex White gave to us tonight,'' Rockies manager Jim Tracy said. ''Unfortunately the guy on the other side really was terrific. C.J. pounded the strike zone.''
Marco Scutaro hit a two-out RBI double in the sixth for Colorado, and Pacheco drove in Helton with a two-out triple in the ninth.
NOTES: Hunter was one RBI off his career high, accomplished twice. ... Trout was hit on the thumb by Rogers in the ninth but Scioscia said he is fine. ... Rockies SS Troy Tulowitzki (groin strain) did some light running before batting practice. He is projected to return to the lineup when Colorado plays Detroit next weekend. ... Scioscia said after the game the Angels will activate RHP LaTroy Hawkins from the 15-day disabled list for Saturday. He did not announce a corresponding move. ... The Angels will send RHP Dan Haren to the mound Saturday against Colorado. The Rockies said after the game that LHP Jeff Francis, their former ace, will be brought up from the minors to start Saturday.