Adrian Beltre's two-run home run was the difference in what was otherwise a classic pitcher's duel, with the Texas Rangers picking up a 3-1 win over the Los Angeles Angels. Zack Greinke and Yu Darvish were masterful, each throwing eight innings and giving up one run. Greinke surrendered five hits and struck out eight, and Darvish matched him with four hits and a walk while striking out nine. Darvish earned the win, while Ernesto Frieri got saddled with the loss. Joe Nathan earned the save.
Geovany Soto hit a sacrifice fly to score Nelson Cruz in the 5th inning to put the Rangers on top, but the Angels answered in the 6th when Peter Bourjos scored on a fielder's choice by Torii Hunter. Beltre has been suffering from a gastrointestinal problem, but it didn't appear to affect him when he smashed a Frieri pitch into the left field seats.
The loss is a huge blow to the Angels' playoff hopes. The Angels now sit 4.5 games behind the Orioles and Athletics for the Wildcard, and begin a three game series against the Chicago White Sox on Friday.
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