Jonathan Lucroy capped a late see-saw game with the Angels with a two-run homer in the eighth to lead the Texas Rangers to an 8-5 victory Saturday night.
The Angels had taken the lead in the bottom of the seventh on a two-run homer from Kole Calhoun and a run-scoring double from C.J. Cron, overcoming a two-homer game from Rangers outfielder Carlos Gomez.
Gomez hit both homers off right-hander Daniels Wright. He led off the game by hitting Wright's first pitch for a solo home run and added a two-run homer in the fourth. Wright was making his Angels' debut.
Rangers' left-hander Cole Hamels, coming off his worst start of the season against the Mariners (six runs in 4 1/3 innings) was not at his sharpest, but held the Angels to two runs in his six innings. He allowed six hits and four walks.
After the Texas bullpen initially faltered, Tanner Scheppers, Matt Bush and Sam Dyson held the Angels scoreless over the final 2 1/3 innings. Dyson pitched the ninth to earn his 34th save.
Texas added an additional run in the eighth on a Nomar Mazara triple and Jose Valdez wild pitch. In the ninth the Rangers scored again on three consecutive singles, Adrian Beltre's driving in the run.
The Angels had rallied in the seventh against right-handed Texas reliever Keone Kela. Pinch-hitter Rafael Ortega opened the inning with a single and Calhoun crushed his 17th home run of the season to tie it. Mike Trout singled and scored on Cron's ground-rule double to give the Angels the brief lead.
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Wright was claimed by the Angels on Sept. 4 from the Reds. He went five innings, surrendering the four runs on six hits and a walk.
With the victory the Rangers, owners of the American League's best record (85-58), maintained their 9 1/2-game lead over the Astros in the West.
TRAINER'S ROOM
Rangers: 2B Rougned Odor was given the night off with a sore hamstring. The Rangers said it was precautionary and called him day to day. . RH Colby Lewis is scheduled to make his first start Sunday since going down with a right lat strain June 21.
Angels: Catcher Geovany Soto is still hopeful he will be able to return this season. Soto has been on the disabled list three times and appeared in only 26 games. He is currently out with right knee inflammation, but underwent a full workout Saturday.
UP NEXT
Rangers: Colby Lewis (6-1) was off to a terrific start before landing on the disabled list for over two months. Sunday would mark his 16th start of the season. In three rehab starts he allowed 11 runs in 10 innings.
Angels: RH Jered Weaver (10-11) will attempt to even his record. Last season was the only time in his 11-year career he has posted a losing record (7-12).
