Rangers Cruise Past Angels In AL West Showdown
ANAHEIM (AP) - Nelson Cruz and Mike Napoli hit back-to-back homers and Michael Young added a two-run single during a six-run fifth inning, and streaking Texas extended its AL West lead over the Los Angeles Angels with an 8-4 victory Monday night.
Ian Kinsler had four hits and scored three runs, and Josh Hamilton added an RBI double in Texas' fourth straight win. Alexi Ogando (12-5) pitched eight-hit ball into the seventh inning for the Rangers (70-52), who have won nine of 11 while taking a five-game lead over Los Angeles (65-57) atop the division.
Russell Branyan chased Ogando with a two-run, pinch-hit homer.
The Angels, who opened a key nine-game homestand with their fifth loss in six games, lost right-hander Garrett Richards to a strained groin muscle in the first inning of his second major league start.
