Ian Kinsler led an offensive onslaught with four hits, as the Rangers blasted the Angels 8-4 in their series opener Monday night. The win moves Texas’ cushion in the division to five games with three more games remaining in the series.
Nelson Cruz and Mike Napoli homered, while Michael Young and Mitch Moreland each had three hits for Texas. Angels starter Garrett Richards lasted just four batters because of a groin strain, to the Rangers had their way with LA’s bullpen until Joel Pineiro settled things down by pitching three scoreless to end the game.
Alexi Ogando picked up his 12th win, completing 6.1 innings and allowing four runs, the last two on a Russell Branyan home run in the seventh that sent Ron Washington to his pen. Koji Uehara threw a crucial 1.2 in perfect fashion, before Mark Lowe pitched a scoreless ninth to end it.
Game 2 of the series Tuesday will pit inconsistent youngsters Derek Holland and and Tyler Chatwood. Game time is 9:05 CDT time.