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Kendrick doubles home decisive run as Angels edge Rangers

Sep 28, 2006 - 5:13 AM ANAHEIM, California (Ticker) -- Howie Kendrick knocked in the go-ahead run in the seventh as the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim posted a 6-5 victory over the Texas Rangers in the rubber game of a three-game series.

After Mark Teixeira forced a 5-5 tie in the seventh by hitting his second homer of the game, a two-run shot to right, Kendrick put the Angels back in front for good in the bottom half of the frame.

Following back-to-back one-out singles by Juan Rivera and Adam Kennedy against reliever C.J. Wilson (2-4), Kendrick doubled to right, allowing Rivera to score easily for a 6-5 edge.

"It's good to see that our guys want to come out and still play hard for our fans even though we aren't in contention for the playoffs anymore," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said.

The Angels were eliminated from the postseason due to a 5-2 setback to the Rangers on Tuesday combined with Oakland's 12-3 victory over Seattle.

Brendan Donnelly (6-0) tossed a scoreless 1 1/3 innings to earn the win and Francisco Rodriguez pitched a perfect ninth for his 45th save.

"Frankie has been lights out for us all year and he's one of the toughest closers in the game," 2B Adam Kennedy said.

Anaheim starter Jered Weaver failed to get a decision in his third straight start. The rookie righthander allowed five runs - two homers - and 10 hits in 6 2/3 frames. He struck out five while walking two.

"I felt like I pitched a good game, but I left a couple pitches up in the zone and they were hit hard and far," Weaver said.

Adam Eaton threw five innings for Texas. He was reached for five runs, seven hits and three walks while striking out three.

"He (Eaton) pitched a strong game and kept us in striking distance, but they have a good offensive club over there that won't give up," Rangers manager Buck Showalter said.

Tim Salmon hit his ninth homer and 299th of his career, a three-run shot to center in the first off Eaton.

"I just want to get that last home run, because it's a personal goal of mine that I want to reach," said Salmon, who plans to retire at the end of the season.

Teixeira recorded his fourth multi-homer game this season for the Rangers, who have dropped six of their last eight outings.