ALBERT PUJOLS had two hits and an RBI in the Angels’ 4-3 loss to Seattle on Friday night (Flickr/Keith Allison photo).

A 4-3 loss to the Mariners in Seattle Friday night dropped the Los Angeles Angels to two games back in the chase for an American League wild card spot as the clock continues to run on post-season dreams.

The Halos went ahead in the first inning when Justin Upton drove in two runs with a single to right, but the M’s countered with three runs in the second on a three-run homer by Ben Gamel, who would later rob Brandon Phillips of a home run with a great leaping catch. Seattle went ahead 4-2 in the third on a single by Mitch Haninger.

In the top of the sixth, the Angels got one back on an RBI single by Albert Pujols, his second hit of the night. Pujols is batting .429 over the last seven games.

Upton and Phillips also had two hits.

Ricky Nolasco (6-13) lasted just 3.2 innings, giving up six hits and four runs. He walked two and struck out two.

The Angels (72-68) will consider the series in Seattle on Saturday, with Andrew Heaney (1-1) getting the start for the Orange County team.