SHOHEI OHTANI didn’t hit any home runs on Wednesday, but he did score after reaching on an error. Angels won 10-7 (Angel photo).

By Pete Zarustica

All’s well that ends well, wrote The Bard, even if the conclusion is a bit sloppy.

On Wednesday night in Anaheim the Los Angeles Angels built a big early lead with three home runs, then survived a five-run Baltimore Oriole rally in the ninth to end up with a 10-7 victory.

The win allowed the Halos (18-12) to slip back into second place in the American League West and close to within a game of the Houston Astros (20-12).

Sparked by three four-baggers – by Mike Trout, Martin Maldonado and Albert Pujols – the Angels were able to put up a 10-1 lead at one point.  Pujols added a double to put his career hit total at 2,998, two short of the epic 3,000-hit level.

Trout’s 11th home run again tied him for the Major League Baseball lead. He walked twice on Wednesday, after picking up four walks the day before. He’s now batting .292.

“Put up 10 runs and ended up needing every one of them,” manager Mike Scioscia said.

The Angels’ hitting parade was matched by a fine starting pitching performance by Andrew Heaney (1-1). He worked six innings and gave up five hits and one run. He walked one and struck out two.

Jace Peterson’s three-run triple in the ninth was the big blow for the Orioles (8-22) but it wasn’t quite enough to bring the O’s all the way back, and the home team got the win.

The Angels will go for a sweep on Thursday with Jaime Barria (1-1) making the start for the home team.