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Angels try to keep rolling, close set against Rangers

Sep 11, 2014 - 2:32 PM (SportsNetwork.com) - It's almost a fait accompli now that the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are going to win an American League West title. On Thursday, though, they go after their eighth straight win and a three-game sweep of the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park.

Los Angeles reduced its magic number for clinching the division to single digits on Wednesday, as Albert Pujols finished a homer shy of the cycle in the Angels' 8-1 rout.

All seven of the Halos' wins during this streak have come on the road.

Pujols, Mike Trout and Howie Kendrick all scored twice and Kole Calhoun homered for a third straight game for Los Angeles, winners in 13 of its last 15 games overall. It's magic number for clinching the AL West now stands at nine.

"We're just trying to go out there every night and play well," said Angels manager Mike Scioscia. "When we start tomorrow's game, it doesn't matter what we did last week."

Matt Shoemaker (15-4) set the Angels franchise rookie record for wins after tossing 6 2/3 innings of one-run ball. Shoemaker is 6-0 over his last seven outings.

Nick Tepesch (4-10) lasted 4 2/3 innings, allowing three runs on 10 hits.

"I pretty much had guys on base every inning," Tepesch said. "Tough in those situations, but I felt like I was making better pitches as the game went on."

Getting the call for the Angels on Thursday will be Cory Rasmus, who will be making his third start for the team after making 24 relief appearances. Rasmus hasn't received a decision in his two starts, but the Angels have won both games and he has allowed only two runs in 4 2/3 innings. He is 3-1 on the year with a 2.81 ERA.

Texas, meanwhile, will counter with righty Nick Martinez, who is 3-10 with a 5.03 ERA. Martinez did not get a decision on Saturday against Seattle, but pitched well, allowing a pair of runs in six innings. He had given up just one run in 5 1/3 innings in his previous trip to the hill.

Martinez is winless in nine games (7 starts) in Arlington.

The Angels have won 13 of their 16 matchups with the Rangers this season.