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Napoli powers Angels over Rangers

Sep 28, 2008 - 11:23 PM ANAHEIM, California (Ticker) -- Mike Napoli homered and drove in four runs as the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim capped off the regular season with a 7-0 triumph over the Texas Rangers on Sunday.

Napoli hit his 20th homer and added a pair of run-scoring doubles for the Angels, who open their American League Division Series against the Boston Red Sox on Wednesday.

Saunders (17-7) allowed two hits over six innings while striking out nine batters, and three relievers combined for three innings of one-hit relief.

"I just tried to get ahead of guys today," Saunders said. "I worked on some stuff with my mechanics to be ready for my start against the Red Sox. It was a great outing for me today."

Gary Matthews Jr. recorded one of his three singles with two outs in the second and came around to score on a double by Napoli. It was one of three runs on the afternoon for Matthews.

"I feel good right now at the plate," Napoli said. "I've been working on some things during batting practice and it's starting to pay off."

The Angels' catcher then lifted a home run to left-center in the fifth inning off Kevin Millwood (9-10).

"I just hope I can keep it going in the playoffs and help contribute when guys are on base," Napoli said.

Los Angeles tallied three more runs off Millwood in the sixth. Juan Rivera and Howie Kendrick each hit two-out singles and Matthews drove in Rivera with a single to right. Napoli then drove in Kendrick and Matthews to increase the lead to 5-0.

"It was a good game for us heading into the playoffs," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said. "We got guys at-bats and pitchers some work. Just ready to play Wednesday."

Millwood allowed five runs - four earned - and nine hits with a walk in six innings.

"I didn't have my best stuff out there today, and when you play a team like the Angels, you have to go at them with your best," Millwood said. "It was a good season and hope we can put it together next season and be a team to contend with in the division."

The Angels added two more runs in the eighth off reliever Josh Rupe. Reggie Willits hit a sacrifice fly and Kendry Morales drew a bases-loaded walk.

"We got a hundred wins, but everything starts over in the playoffs," Angels outfielder Torii Hunter said. "We will be ready and we're excited to get the playoffs going."