Albert Pujols hit a three-run homer off Ryan Yarbrough in the fifth inning and drove in four runs, leading the Los Angeles Angels over Tampa Bay 6-4 Sunday to drop the Rays 1½ games behind Oakland for the top AL wild card.

Seeking their first playoff berth since 2013, the Rays are 1½ games ahead of Cleveland for the AL's second wild card.

Tampa Bay trailed 6-1 before Austin Meadows' 31st homer, a three-run drive off Ty Buttre with two outs in the eighth. Hansel Robles struck out pinch hitter Ji-Man Choi, then worked around a leadoff walk in the ninth for his career-high 21st save in 24 chances.

Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Albert Pujols, right, gets congratulations from Andrelton Simmons, after Pujols hit a three-run home run against the Tampa Bay Rays during the fifth inning of a baseball game in Anaheim, Calif., Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019. (AP PhotoAlex Gallardo)

Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Albert Pujols, right, gets congratulations from Andrelton Simmons, after Pujols hit a three-run home run against the Tampa Bay Rays during the fifth inning of a baseball game in Anaheim, Calif., Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019. (AP PhotoAlex Gallardo)

After learning that two-time AL MVP Mike Trout will have foot surgery and miss the rest of the season, Los Angeles stopped a six-game losing streak. On Saturday, the Angels ensured their fourth straight losing record.

Pujols tied the score with an RBI double in the first and blew open the game with his 23rd home run this season, the 656th of his big league career.

Noé Ramirez (5-2) retired six straight batters to win in relief of rookie Patrick Sandoval, who allowed two hits in four innings but was removed after 61 pitches.

Tampa Bay Rays' Austin Meadows, right, follows through on his three-run home run, with Los Angeles Angels catcher Kevan Smith, center, and home plate umpire Pat Hoberg, left, watching, during the eighth inning of a baseball game in Anaheim, Calif., Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019. (AP PhotoAlex Gallardo)

Tampa Bay Rays' Austin Meadows, right, follows through on his three-run home run, with Los Angeles Angels catcher Kevan Smith, center, and home plate umpire Pat Hoberg, left, watching, during the eighth inning of a baseball game in Anaheim, Calif., Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019. (AP PhotoAlex Gallardo)

Yarbrough (11-4) gave up six runs and 10 hits in five innings. He entered with five straight no-decisions since beating Seattle on Aug. 11.

TWO-WAY STARS

Brendan McKay, the Rays' two-way player, had his first career hit in the eighth inning. McKay, who pinch hit and singled, had been 0 for 5 at the plate. ... Jared Walsh, a two-way player for the Angels, doubled in the second inning.

Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Willy Adames, right, throws out Los Angeles Angels' Luis Rengifo, on a ground out with third baseman Matt Duffy, left, watching during the fourth inning of a baseball game in Anaheim, Calif., Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019. (AP PhotoAlex Gallardo)

Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Willy Adames, right, throws out Los Angeles Angels' Luis Rengifo, on a ground out with third baseman Matt Duffy, left, watching during the fourth inning of a baseball game in Anaheim, Calif., Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019. (AP PhotoAlex Gallardo)

TRAINER'S ROOM

Rays: RHP Yonny Chirinos (right middle finger inflammation) is scheduled to throw a simulated game on Monday in Los Angeles.

UP NEXT

Rays: LHP Blake Snell (6-7, 4.28 ERA) is expected to be activated from the IL to start Tuesday against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Snell, who had loose bodies in his left elbow, has not pitched for the Rays since July 21.

Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Albert Pujols, left, rounds third after hitting a three-run home run with Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Ryan Yarbrough, right, looking away during the fifth inning of a baseball game in Anaheim, Calif., Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019. (AP PhotoAlex Gallardo)

Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Albert Pujols, left, rounds third after hitting a three-run home run with Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Ryan Yarbrough, right, looking away during the fifth inning of a baseball game in Anaheim, Calif., Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019. (AP PhotoAlex Gallardo)

Angels: LHP José Suarez (2-6, 6.94 ERA) is slated to start Tuesday's series opener at the New York Yankees. He is 0-5 in 11 starts since beating Tampa Bay on June 15.

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