ANAHEIM, Calif., Sept. 4 (UPI) -- Joel Pineiro held Minnesota to one run over seven innings Sunday, staking the Los Angeles Angels to a 4-1 decision over the Twins.
Pineiro (6-6) logged his first victory since July 9, a span of nine starts, delivering a crucial win for the Angels as they chase first-place Texas in the American League West.
The right-hander yielded five hits, walked only one and struck out one as Los Angeles held steady 3 1/2 games behind the Rangers, who won in Boston Sunday.
Scott Downs tossed a scoreless eighth and Jordan Walden picked up his 28th save for Los Angeles.
Bobby Abreu clubbed a first-inning solo homer and Torii Hunter had two hits, including an RBI single.
Minnesota's Kevin Slowey (0-4) pitched well but absorbed the loss, yielding two runs on seven hits over seven innings, walking none and striking out four.
Joe Mauer hit his second homer of year -- a solo shot in the fourth -- for Minnesota.
