Pujols’ homer is the sole highlight

ALBERT PUJOLS homered for the first Angel run Friday. Halos lost 4-2 to the Detroit Tigers.

By Pete Zarustica

Barring a sports miracle, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are out of the chase for a division title or even a playoff spot. So, instead, Angel fans can watch a different kind of pursuit: Albert Pujols’ race toward history.

Pujols hit his 585th career home run in the first inning, moving him to within one of Frank Robinson in the all-time home run list. It was also his 25th of the year. That gave the Angels an early 1-0 lead which eventually turned into a 4-2 loss Friday night to the Detroit Tigers in the Motor City.

Justin Verlander (14-7) mastered the Halos most of the night, going 7.2 innings while yielding just four hits and two runs. He struck out eight batters and walked just one.

Ricky Nolasco (4-12) was in good shape until the sixth, when he was touched for three runs. He left with having given up nine hits, four runs and three walks. He struck out two batters.

The second Angel run came in the eighth when Kole Calhoun doubled in Kaleb Cowart. The Halos (54-74) continue their series with the Tigers on Saturday. Brett Oberholtzer will start for the Angels.