Ricky Nolasco pitches complete Game, Angels blank Reds

Ricky Nolasco #47 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim throws a pitch against the Cincinnati Reds at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on August 31, 2016 in Anaheim, California.

(Aug. 31, 2016 - Source: Stephen Dunn/Getty Images North America)

SP Ricky Nolasco pitches nine scoreless innings as the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim blank the Cincinnati Reds 3-0 and sweep the three-game series.

The 33-year old (5-12) did not walk a single player and gave up just 4 hits while striking out 7. His ERA and WHIP improved to 4.95 and 1.31, respectively.

It took the Angels six innings to break a scoreless tie. SS Andrelton Simmons hit a one-out double and 1B C.J. Cron singled with two outs to drive in Simmons for the first run of the game. 3B Jefry Marte followed with a double and C.J. Cron came home to give the Angels a 2-0 lead.

The Angels scored again in the eighth inning. RF Nick Buss hit a one-out double and Andrelton Simmons followed with a walk. It was the first and only walk of the game. C.J. Cron singled with two outs and drove Nick Buss home to put the Angels up 3-0.

Cincinnati’s SP Brandon Finnegan (8-10) went 7 innings, allowing 5 hits and 2 earned runs while fanning 9. He now has a 4.19 ERA with a 1.32 WHIP on the season.

Mike Trout got the day off and Albert Pujols was also held out of the lineup as he is dealing with plantar fasciitis.

The Cincinnati Reds (55-77) return home to host a three-game series against the St. Louis Cardinals (70-61) from Friday to Sunday.

The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (59-74) travel to the Seattle Mariners (68-65) to play a three-game series from Friday through Sunday.