SEATTLE, June 5 (UPI) -- Hideki Matsui hit a two-run homer in the first inning Friday that ignited the Los Angeles Angels to a 7-1 win over Seattle.
Matsui drove in three runs overall in a victory that boosted the Angels above the .500 mark for the first time in more than a month. Los Angeles improved to 4-1 on a season-long, 14-game road trip.
After putting the Angels in front with his homer, Matsui contributed an RBI infield single during a two-run third.
Joe Saunders (4-6) bounced back from a rough outing to get the win, giving up a run on eight hits over six innings. He also faced the Mariners last Sunday and did not figure in the decision while allowing seven runs on 10 hits.
The season-long problems continued for Ian Snell (0-4), who surrendered four runs on three hits with four walks over 5 1/3 innings. He has yet to pick up a win in 10 appearances.
Seattle had won its previous three games.
