Arlington, TX (Sports Network) - Josh Hamilton belted a two-run homer and added a sacrifice fly, as AL West-champion Texas defeated the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, 6-2, in the continuation of a four-game series to close out the regular season.
Michael Young collected three hits and knocked in a run for the Rangers. C.J. Wilson (15-8), who went 0-3 with a 6.26 ERA in five September starts, gave up two runs on four hits over five innings to grab the win.
Torii Hunter and Howie Kendrick each hit RBI singles in the first inning for the Angels (79-82), who will finish below .500 for the first time since 2003.
Ervin Santana (17-10) allowed five runs on nine hits and three walks in 6 1/3 innings to take the loss.
Considering the game began with the first five Angels batters reaching base, Wilson was fortunate to pitch as deep into the game as he did. Peter Bourjos led off with a triple, Reggie Willits walked and Hunter plated a run with a base hit. Kendrick then pushed home a run after Juan Rivera drew a walk.
Wilson settled down on the mound and allowed only one more base runner through the duration of his outing.
The Rangers moved ahead with a three-run fifth inning that featured a sac fly by Young and Hamilton's 32nd home run of the season.
Texas put up another three-spot in the seventh. Santana was lifted in favor of Francisco Rodriguez after Hamilton's fly ball plated Elvis Andrus. Vladimir Guerrero singled home Young and Rodriguez issued a bases-loaded walk to Matt Treanor later in the frame.
Rangers reliever Clay Rapada took over in the ninth and promptly gave up a single and a walk before Neftali Feliz got the final three outs for his 40th save.
Wilson improved to 11-3 at home in 2010...Hamilton, who now has 100 RBI this year, matched his career high for home runs in a season...Santana pitched 222 2/3 innings this season, a new career high.