Rangers vs. Angels game recap: Texas falls to Anaheim 7-4, fails to clinch playoff spot

The Texas Rangers lost 7-4 Friday night, failing to clinch a playoff spot. The Rangers were unable to overcome the pitching performance of Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim starter Jered Weaver, who earned his 20th win of the season. Angels outfielder Mike Trout hit a leadoff homer off Rangers starter Ryan Dempster, who picked up the loss and fell to 7-3 on the season.

The Rangers still need one win to secure their playoff spot, and three wins to secure their third-straight AL West crown.

Following Trout's leadoff home run, Angels catcher Chris Iannetta hit a solo homer in the second inning to extend the lead. Left fielder Mark Trumbo led the Angels, going 3-4 on the night and driving in three runs, including a 2-run single in the 7th to put the Angels up 7-1.

Rangers left fielder Nelson Cruz hit a solo home run in the 7th, and Adrian Beltre hit a two-run homer in the eighth, but it wasn't enough as Anaheim's Ernesto Frieri closed the game and picked up the save.

The Rangers will have another opportunity to clinch their playoff birth as they host the Angels again Saturday.