Hisashi Iwakuma throws 6 shutout innings, Mariners knock off Angels 6-1. Hank Choi Conger and Munenori Kawasaki plays

Hisashi Iwakuma 9-5 made his bid for a spot in Seattle’s 2013 plans by winning his third straight start to close the year. He allowed six hits and struck out seven, including Angels’ slugger Albert Pujols three times, while pitching six scoreless innings.

It was just the 12th time in Pujols career that he struck out three times in a game. The only two pitchers to strike out Pujols three times in a single game are Iwakuma and Seattle ace Felix Hernandez, who did in less than a week ago in Anaheim.

The Angels left runners at second and third in the first inning, then saw Mike Trout standing at third with no outs in the third and failed to get him home. Iwakuma struck out Howie Kendrick, Pujols and got a ground out from Kendrys Morales to escape the jam.Iwakuma, who will be a free agent after the season, finished 8-4 with a 2.65 ERA after moving into the starting rotation in July.

via Hisashi Iwakuma throws 6 shutout innings, Mariners knock off Angels 6-1 – The Washington Post.