Albert Pujols homers again in Angels’ 2-0 win over Tigers

KEY MOMENT: The Angels led 2-0 in the eighth inning when starter Hector Santiago gave up a one-out single, reliever Cam Bedrosian gave up a single and the runners advanced on a groundout to first. Bedrosian intentionally walked Miguel Cabrera to load the bases, bringing on closer Huston Street to face Yoenis Cespedes. Street, pitching in the eighth because Joe Smith was unavailable due to a sore neck, struck out Cespedes to end the threat.

AT THE PLATE: Albert Pujols had three hits, including a solo homer to left field in the sixth inning against Tigers starter Anibal Sanchez to give the Angels a 2-0 lead. It was Pujols’ 10th homer of the season, his second in as many nights. A night after scoring 12 runs, the Angels managed seven hits.

ON THE MOUND: In his longest outing of the season, left-hander Hector Santiago gave up no runs, three hits and walked three in 71/3 innings. Santiago, who did not give up a hit until the fifth inning, struck out seven and improved to 4-3. Santiago, Bedrosian and Street combined for the Angels’ fourth shutout. Street earned his 15th save, his first that required four outs.

EXTRA BASES: Outfielder Kirk Nieuwenheis started for the first time for the Angels. He hit a double to the gap in left-center field in the third inning and struck out twice. He also made a nice catch on a seventh-inning fly ball hit to the left-field wall A bobblehead of bearded pitcher Matt Shoemaker was given away to fans. Shoemaker said he was “honored” and the figurine looked “pretty cool.” Asked whether he would find a special place for it in his home, he said, “Probably my son’s room, for sure.”

UP NEXT: Jered Weaver (3-4, 4.06 earned-run average) faces the Tigers’ Shane Greene (4-3, 4.27) on Saturday at 7:05 p.m. at Angel Stadium. TV: Fox Sports West. Radio: 830, 1330.