Rangers Shut Out By Angels

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ARLINGTON, Texas — All-Star center fielder Mike Trout drilled a home run and starting pitcher Garrett Richards went seven shutout innings as the streaking Los Angeles Angels handled the Texas Rangers 3-0 on Friday night at Globe Life Park.

The Angels have taken the first two in the four-game series against their slumping American League West rivals. Los Angeles has won eight of nine and 17 of 21, and owns the best record in baseball (24-9) since June 6.

The misery keeps dragging on for the Rangers, who have the worst record in the majors at 38-55.

The Angels chased Nick Tepesch in the seventh inning, despite a rare solid game from a Texas starting pitcher. Los Angeles opened the inning with three consecutive hits, including shortstop Eric Aybar’s single to drive in first baseman Albert Pujols.

Third baseman David Freese followed with a run-scoring single off Rangers reliever Neftali Feliz for a 3-0 lead. That cushion was plenty for Richards, who improved to 11-2 with his seventh straight win.