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Shoemaker draws start for Angels against Rangers

Sep 10, 2014 - 2:33 PM (SportsNetwork.com) - The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are starting to run away with the American League West.

Rookie Matt Shoemaker is a big reason why and on Wednesday he goes after a sixth straight winning decision in the middle test of a three-game set versus the woeful Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park.

Shoemaker has been rock solid for the Angels this season, going 14-4 with a 3.25 ERA. However, he was hit hard his last time out in Minnesota, as the Twins tagged him for three runs and six hits in just four innings of a no- decision.

He had entered the game with a 23 2/3-inning scoreless streak.

"These guys picked me up a ton today," Shoemaker said. "The position players and the bullpen did a huge job."

Shoemaker stands a good chance at getting himself back in the win column tonight, as he has beaten the Rangers both times he has faced them this season and has allowed just three runs in 13 1/3 innings against them.

Texas, meanwhile, will counter with righty Nick Tepesch, who is 4-9 with a 4.41 ERA. Tepesch lost in Kansas City last Wednesday, as he surrendered four runs (3 earned) and six hits in 6 2/3 innings.

"I thought Tepesch did a good job of keeping us in the ballgame; that's his job," former Rangers skipper Ron Washington said.

Tepesch is 0-1 in three starts versus the Angels with a 3.86 ERA.

Los Angeles continued to roll on Tuesday, as Kole Calhoun homered for a second straight game and the Angels extended their win streak to six with a 9-3 win.

Erick Aybar doubled in a pair of runs during a seven-run eighth inning for the surging Angels, while Collin Cowgill and Mike Trout both tripled in the stanza. Trout drove in his American League-leading 103rd run of the season.

"It's a potent offense, and when everybody is contributing ... I mean, Howie (Kendrick) is hot, Albert (Pujols) is hot, Mike (Trout) is hot, Kole (Calhoun) has been hot," said Cowgill. "Seems like everybody is hot at the same time right now."

Hector Santiago (5-7) remains unbeaten since the All-Star break after tossing five innings of one-run ball. The southpaw, who went 0-7 in his first 11 starts of the season, hasn't lost since June 15.

Santiago outdueled Colby Lewis (9-13) for the second time this season. Lewis was much better in this one than his last outing against the Angels, but still took the loss after allowing three runs -- two earned -- on five hits over seven-plus innings.

"He just got stronger and stronger. I think he's feeling healthy," said Rangers interim manager Tim Bogar.

The Angels have won 12 of their 15 matchups with the Rangers this season.