Angels Trip up Ranger Rampage

Final Score in Anaheim: Angels 6, Rangers 5

Bobby Abreu lined a 3-2 slider from former Angel Darren Oliver into the right-field corner with two outs and the bases loaded in the sixth inning. The bases-clearing double snapped a 3-3 tie and was just enough fire insurance to save the game from the Angels bullpen. In the next frame, star-crossed Kevin Jepsen dangled a 1-2 cutter over the plate, which someone named Vladimir launched over the center-field fence for a two-run homer. Guerrero went 2-4 in his return to Anaheim as a house packed with loyal fans wrestled with mixed emotions.

In the eighth, the Angels needed two highlight-reel defensive plays from Mike Napoli and Torii Hunter to overcome a Rodney-Mathis tag team effort to blow a late lead. Fortunately, Fuentes did retire Kinsler, Guerrero, and Hamilton in order to close the game out. Joel Pineiro, who surrendered three runs in a six-inning struggle to keep the Rangers off the bases, took the win. Scott Feldman was awarded the loss.

All three meetings between the Angels and Rangers this season have now been decided by one run. The two teams have different strengths but ultimately appear to be evenly matched. The Angels will need to continue to get the best of their division rival in future head-to-head match-ups to overcome their current 3.5-game deficit in the AL West.