The Angels got to Tim Hudson for eight runs in less than four full innings en route to a 9-0 shutout win over the Braves in the series opener.
The Braves dropped their third straight in quick fashion as Hudson allowed six runs in the third inning. Bobby Abreu doubled in a run, Torii Hunter singled in a run, Hank Conger grounded out to score a run, and Mark Trumbo capped the inning with a three-run home run on a hanging slider.
The Angels went back to work in the fourth with two more runs on a two-run single by Alberto Callaspo. This chased Hudson from the game having allowed eight runs on seven hits in 3.2 innings, walking three and striking out two. His command was off, leaving several balls up and over the plate along with several bad luck hits. His control was off, hitting three batters, the most for a Braves pitcher since Chuck James in 2008.
Cristhian Martinez relieved Hudson and allowed one run in 2.1 innings. Jairo Asencio pitched two scoreless innings on one hit.
Ervin Santana pitched a complete-game shutout for the Angels, allowing four hits with no walks and seven strikeouts. He was never even threatened with a run. The Braves had two baserunners through the first six innings on two singles by Eric Hinske and Joe Mather. The same two singled in the seventh and eighth. Atlanta never reached second base.
Trumbo went 3-4 with a double, homer and three RBIs. Callaspo added two hits and three RBIs. Abreu, Hunter and Conger had one RBI each. Peter Bourjos went 1-3 with a double and two runs scored.
For more on the series, Braves fans check out Talking Chop and Angels fans check out Halos Heaven.