Angels use three-run eighth to down Rockies

Anaheim, CA (SportsNetwork.com) - Johnny Giavotella drove in the go-ahead run in the eighth inning to lead the LA Angels of Anaheim to a 5-2 win over the Colorado Rockies in the opener of a two-game set.

Matt Joyce drove in three runs and Carlos Perez also had an RBI for the Angels, who have won five of their last seven. C.J. Wilson (2-2) tossed eight innings and allowed two runs on five hits with a walk and six strikeouts.

"C.J. was the story tonight," said Angels manager Mike Scioscia. "They have some good bats over there and he was able to maintain his stuff for a solid eight innings. He had great command all night."

Troy Tulowitzki and Corey Dickerson each drove in a run for the Rockies, who have dropped their past 10 games. Kyle Kendrick allowed two runs on seven hits while striking out five, and Rafael Betancourt (0-1) took the loss after giving up three runs in the eighth.

"Kyle has pitched very well for us and he did a hell of a job tonight," said Colorado manager Walt Weiss. "It was real tough for us to get anything going tonight."

With the score tied in the eighth, the Angels went on top. Albert Pujols singled to start and stole second. Erick Aybar later walked, and Giavotella singled home the go-ahead run. Joyce followed with a two-run double to pad the lead to 5-2.

Huston Street tossed a 1-2-3 ninth for his 11th save of the season.

Colorado drew first blood in the third inning as Nick Hundley singled, DJ LeMahieu followed with a walk and both runners moved up a base on a sacrifice bunt from Charlie Blackmon. Tulowitzki then hit a sac fly to center that easily scored Hundley.

The Rockies made it a 2-0 game in the fourth inning when Justin Morneau doubled with one out and Dickerson doubled two batters later.

The Angels, though, answered in the home fourth to tie the game. Singles from Aybar and Giavotella left runners at the corners before Joyce grounded out to score one, and Perez followed with a single to score another.

Game Notes

This is the first meeting between these clubs since 2012, and the Angels have won six straight ... The Angels were 3-for-14 with runners in scoring position and stranded seven ... Jordan Lyles pitches for Colorado on Wednesday, while Hector Santiago will toe the rubber for the Angels.