The Texas Rangers have taken a five-game lead in the American League West following a series win over the Toronto Blue Jays, while the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are now nine games back after being swept by the Tampa Bay Rays.
The 70-50 Rangers didn't have the greatest road trip, as they lost three of four to the New York Yankees before recovering in Toronto. However, their lead over the Angels increased by three games due to an all-out collapse by the Halos (now 62-60) during a homestand which saw them go 3-7.
Meanwhile, the Oakland Athletics (65-55) have held their ground, staying in second place in the division after their sweep of the Cleveland Indians at home. They went 2-4 on their road trip before that, but didn't lose ground due to the subpar play of their divisional rivals.
Due to the Angels' free-fall, the Seattle Mariners sit just four games behind third place in the division, at 58-64. They are 13 games behind the first-place Rangers.
For more on the Texas Rangers, be sure to visit Lone Star Ball. Further MLB coverage can be found at Baseball Nation.