ALBERT PUJOLS had two hits and two RBIs in the Angels’ 11-10 loss to the Seattle Mariners on Thursday.

By Pete Zarustica

So what do 16 hits and two homers buy you in today’s Major League Baseball?

Enough for excitement but not enough for a win, as the Angels on Thursday staged an epic rally but still lost, falling 11-10 to the Seattle Mariners in Anaheim.

The Halos as one point trailed 10-2 before charging back to tie the game in the bottom of the eighth but lost the game on Jay Bruce’s pinch-hit single in the ninth.

It was the team’s fourth straight loss and dropped the Angels’ record to 8-11. They are in fifth place in the American League West and 4.5 games out of first place behind the Houston Astros.

“I was pretty impressed,” said Angels catcher Jonathan Lucroy. “I think it kind of speaks to the toughness of our team, the tenacity we have up and down the lineup. I’m really proud of the guys for the way they fought tonight and going on very little sleep. I think being delirious is probably a part of it. A lot of guys had a lot of caffeine before the game, that was part of it.”

Seattle’s big lead was nearly erased when the Angels put on a seven-run rally in the seventh, and the Halos knotted it all up in the bottom of the eighth.

The Orange County team got home runs from Kole Calhoun (his fourth of the season) and David Fletcher (his first). Andrelton Simmons had three hits and two RBIs and Albert Pujols added two hits and two RBIs.

Angel starter Chris Stratton was roughed up early but managed to last five innings, during which he gave up seven hits, six earned runs and three walks. He struck out four batters. The relief corps didn’t do much better.

The Angels are back in action today (Thursday) hosting the Mariners with Felix Pena (0-1) expected to get the start for the home team.