Angels 2 - 3 Rangers
Final
  for this game

Angels try to stay atop AL West in Arlington

Aug 17, 2014 - 1:46 PM (SportsNetwork.com) - The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim try to stay atop the American League West standings on Sunday when they close out a three-game series with the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park.

Los Angeles moved percentage points ahead of the Oakland Athletics in the division on Saturday with another win over the Rangers, as Kole Calhoun drove in two runs and Matt Shoemaker tossed 5 2/3 strong innings in the Angels' 5-4 triumph.

The Angels now have at least a share of the division lead for the first time since Opening Day of 2013.

"The standings are really irrelevant right now," said Angels manager Mike Scioscia. "We've got a long way to go."

Shoemaker (11-4) allowed only two runs on four hits, while striking out six as the Angels won their fourth straight game. Los Angeles has won five of its last six overall on the heels of a four-game skid.

Shin-Soo Choo had a solo shot of his own and Alex Rios smacked a two-run single for Texas, which has lost four in a row.

Colby Lewis (8-10) was rocked for five runs on 10 hits, but also struck out 10 in Texas' ninth straight loss to the Angels.

"I think early, I left a couple balls in the middle," said Lewis. "Other than that, I felt like I had really, really good stuff tonight."

Getting the call for the Angels on Sunday will be lefty Santiago, who is 3-7 on the season with a 3.59 earned run average. His latest outing was a stint against the Red Sox, in which he lasted six innings, gave up just two hits and no runs with five strikeouts.

In seven career appearances against Texas, Santiago is 2-1 with a 3.81 ERA. He's also recorded a save against the Rangers, which contributed to his low 1.08 WHIP.

Nick Tepesch takes the ball for the Rangers trying to improve upon a 4-7 record and a 4.29 ERA.

His last two starts have been much improved, including his latest outing against Tampa Bay. Tepesch lasted seven innings and gave up two runs on four hits while striking out four batters. He picked up the no-decision, but his Rangers won 3-2.

Tepesch has a 4.82 ERA and an 0-1 record against the Angels in two career starts, but he's also 2-3 at home this season with a slightly better 3.55 ERA in six starts.

The Angels have now won 10 of 12 games against Texas this season, which includes an impressive nine in a row.






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