The Los Angeles Angels knew that they needed to make a statement as they hosted the Texas Rangers over the weekend. With a 7-4 victory on Sunday, they did just that, taking two of three games to gain a game in the American League West standings.
Angels starter Dan Haren made his return to the rotation and put in one of his best efforts of the season. Luckily, the offense more than made his strong outing hold up.
Mike Trout tripled to lead off the bottom of the first and came in to score on a ground-rule double from Albert Pujols. The Halos added two more runs in the bottom of the second on a passed ball and an RBI single from Bobby Wilson, putting Los Angeles ahead 3-0 before the Rangers had even gotten a hit.
Nelson Cruz homered off of Haren in the top of the fourth to get the Rangers on the board and cut the Angels lead to 3-2. Luckily, the Angels had one more big inning in them. Wilson homered to lead off the bottom of the seventh, knocking Matt Harrison out of the game. Then Pujols belted his 18th home run of the season to make it 6-2 Angels.
Michael Young gave the Rangers another run with an RBI single in the top of the eighth, but the Halos got that run back in the bottom of the frame thanks to an RBI single from Torii Hunter.
Ernesto Frieri loaded the bases in the top of the ninth and the Rangers were able to get one more run on an Elvis Andrus sacrifice fly, but Frieri struck out Josh Hamilton -- the potential tying run -- to end the game.
Haren went six innings and allowed two runs on three hits and three walks. He improves to 7-8 on the season.
For all news and information regarding the Los Angeles Angels, please visit Halos Heaven. For updates and perspective on the Texas Rangers, head on over to Lone Star Ball or stop by SB Nation Dallas. You can also check out everything we have to offer at Baseball Nation.
