Anthony Rizzo and Soriano hit back-to-back solo blasts in the first inning and Starlin Castro added a solo blast in the third as the Cubs battered Joe Blanton (2-11). Blanton gave up all four homers - the second time in his career he has allowed four in a game - and was charged with six runs over five-plus innings.
Wood (6-6) recorded his 17th quality start in 18 outings this season, allowing two runs on four hits over 6 2/3 innings for his first win since May 30. He retired 14 straight before Blanton's flare into right with two outs in the sixth.
The Angels broke up the shutout in the seventh when Albert Pujols blasted a two-run shot to left. They had a chance to do more damage, but Matt Guerrier struck out pinch hitter Brad Hawpe to end the inning and preserve the 6-2 lead.
Soriano added a solo shot in the seventh for his 33rd career multi-homer game and his second in the past four games.
GAME NOTEBOOK: Blanton has allowed 22 home runs, the most in the majors. … Pujols grounded into a double play to end the eighth, his American League-high 18th of the season. … Angels LF Josh Hamilton went 0-for-4, snapping his hitting streak at 12 games.
LA Angels | Chi. Cubs | |
Joe Blanton | Player | Travis Wood |
Loss | W/L | Win |
5.0 | IP | 6.2 |
3 | Strikeouts | 5 |
8 | Hits | 4 |
10.80 | ERA | 2.70 |
LA Angels | Chi. Cubs | |
Albert Pujols | Player | Alfonso Soriano |
2 | Hits | 2 |
2 | RBI | 2 |
1 | HR | 2 |
5 | TB | 8 |
.500 | Avg | .667 |