C.J. Wilson, Felix Hernandez Battle for Seventh Victory

May 23, 2014; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher C.J. Wilson (33) in the first inning of the game against the Kansas City Royals at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

With Josh Hamilton on the mend, Angels management needs a reason to keep rookie first baseman C.J. Cron on the ball club. Tuesday night’s performance may have been enough.

Cron homered and drove in two runs as the Halos staved off repeated Seattle rallies in a 6-4 win. He doubled home a run in the second inning before hitting a solo shot off Mariner reliever Tom Wilhelmsen in the eight. Cron is batting .300 with five doubles, three home runs, and nine RBIs since being called up May 3.

Jered Weaver picked up his sixth win after going six innings, allowing three runs on seven hits with three walks. He stranded two runners in the fifth, and left the tying run in scoring position in the sixth before striking out James Jones to escape unscathed. It was Weaver’s first outing to yield more than two runs since April 12.

The Angels have won 12 of their last 17 and climb within 1 ½ games of division-leading Oakland. A victory tonight guarantees a split of their four-games set with Seattle.

Pitching Matchup– C.J. Wilson (6-3, 3.00 ERA) vs. Felix Hernandez (6-1, 2.75 ERA)

C.J. Wilson isn’t a stranger to Safeco Field. Aside from team’s he’s played for, Wilson has pitched more games in Seattle (28) than any other ballpark, and his 55 appearances against the Mariners are the most against any team. He’s 14-7 with seven saves and a 3.77 ERA in that span.

Wilson has allowed one run over the last 15 innings, dating back to his shutout of Tampa Bay on May 17. Last Friday, the lefty tossed 6 1/3 innings and scattered four hits and four walks in a 6-3 victory over Kansas City.

Run support hasn’t been an issue for Felix Hernandez of his last three starts, receiving a combined 21 runs. The former Cy Young winner has only given up more than three runs once this season and pitched beyond the fifth inning in all but one outing.

Hernandez’s career struggles against the Angels have tapered off. His 9-13 lifetime mark includes three wins and 2.91 ERA over the last two years. He gave up two runs over six innings in an Opening Day victory at Angel Stadium.

Walk offs:

Wilson is 5-1 with a 2.03 in his last six outing in Seattle.
Robinson Cano is 14-for-37 against Wilson, including the postseason.
Mike Trout leads all players in the American League All-Star voting results released Tuesday.

TV: 7:10 p.m. PT, Fox Sports West, ROOT Sports

Radio: KLAA 830, 710 ESPN (Seattle)