Saunders, Angels Beat Mariners 10-5

Jeff Mathis hit a two-run homer to lead a 16-hit attack, and Joe Saunders had another strong start to help the Los Angeles Angels beat the Seattle Mariners 10-5 on Sunday, avoiding a series sweep. Saunders (2-0) pitched 5 1-3 innings in his third straight solid start. He gave up two runs on six hits with three walks and one strikeout.

The Mariners scratched starting pitcher Erik Bedard before the game because of inflammation in his right hip. The Mariners expect to find out in a throwing session Monday whether Bedard can return to the mound next week. Mathis, Howie Kendrick and Casey Kotchman had three hits apiece for the Angels, though Kendrick left the game with a strained left hamstring. (More baseball stories.)