Despite two home runs by Albert Pujols and a pair of late leads, the Los Angeles Angels fell on Wednesday night to the Texas Rangers 11-10 in 10 innings. The Halos' bullpen blew a one-run lead in the ninth inning, then a three-run lead in the 10th.
The Angels, so close to being two games behind Texas in the American League West, are now four game back.
Pujols homered twice on the night and drove in four runs, including a two-run shot in the third inning, when the Angels rallied for six runs against Yu Darvish. The Angels added another run in the fourth inning on an RBI double by Torrii Hunter, one of two doubles on the night for Hunter.
The Rangers scored four runs in the sixth inning to chase Angels starter Garrett Richards and pull within 7-5.
David Murphy's RBI single in the eighth inning pulled the Rangers to within 7-6, then Ian Kinsler homered in the ninth off Ernesto Frieri to tie the game at 7-7.
Chris Iannetta hit a solo home run in the 10th inning, and Pujols followed with a two-run shot to give the Halos a 10-7 lead. But Frieri gave up a second home run to start the 10th, to Nelson Cruz to pull within 10-8. After the next two batters reached with an error and a walk, Frieri was pulled in favor of Jason Isringhausen.
Two more singles pulled the Rangers to within 10-9, and Texas had the bases loaded with nobody out. Isringhausen got Kinsler to pop out in the infield for one out, but Elvis Andrus hit a two-run single down the left field line for a Texas win.
The Angels on the night had three home runs, eight walks, and struck out 16 times in 49 plate appearances, a three true outcome percentage of 55.1%. It was just the third time in Angels history that they struck out at least 14 times and walked eight times in a game in franchise history.
C.J. Wilson starts the series finale for the Angels on Thursday night, against Matt Harrison for Texas.
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.
