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Rangers rock Santana, rout Angels

Sep 28, 2008 - 4:37 AM ANAHEIM, California (Ticker) -- A day after battering John Lackey, the Texas Rangers feasted on Ervin Santana.

Nelson Cruz and Chris Davis each homered as the Rangers knocked around Santana en route to an 8-4 victory over the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim on Saturday.

Lackey surrendered a career-worst 10 runs in just 2 2/3 innings during Texas' 12-1 victory on Friday. This time, it was Santana's (16-7) turn as the righthander allowed a season-high eight runs and 10 hits in 5 2/3 frames.

"We of course would have liked Ervin to throw a better game, but he went out there and just tuned up on some things to get ready for his start Friday against Boston," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said.

Cruz blasted a two-run homer in the top of the second and Davis followed with a solo shot to give Texas a 3-1 lead.

"We're just trying to go out there and beat the best team in baseball and bring some positives into next season," Rangers manager Ron Washington said. "I like the way our lineup is looking for next year."

After adding a run in the third, the Rangers poured it on with four more in the sixth to knock Santana out of the game. Joaquin Arias delivered an RBI triple, Michael Young added a run-scoring single and Josh Hamilton hit a two-run base hit during the frame.

"I feel fine," Santana said. "I just didn't have my best stuff and command but I know I will be ready for my start in the playoffs. Just have to put this behind me and start focusing on my next start."

Eight of the nine players in the lineup either scored or drove in a run for Texas (79-82), which guaranteed itself of finishing higher than third place in the American League West for the first time since 1999.

"It's good to finish near the top of the division instead of the bottom," said Rangers first baseman Hank Blalock, who had his five-game home run streak snapped. "We did better than most people expected and just are excited for next season."

Scott Feldman (6-8) allowed two runs and five hits in six innings, striking out two without a walk.

"I just wanted to go out and give it my best against the best team in baseball," Feldman said. "It felt good out there and just tried to keep our team in the game and pull out a win."

Juan Rivera had two hits and scored twice for the Angels.