Angels blank Rangers, avoid Sweep

Albert Pujols #5 of the Los Angeles Angels celebrates after hitting a solo home run against the Texas Rangers in the top of the first inning at Globe Life Park in Arlington on July 9, 2017 in Arlington, Texas.

(July 9, 2017 - Source: Tom Pennington/Getty Images North America)

The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (45-47) blank the Texas Rangers (43-45) 3-0 and avoid a series sweep at the Globe Life Park in Arlington.

The Angels struck first with a two-out home from DH Albert Pujols in the opening inning. It was his 13th long ball of the season.

The Halos doubled their lead in the fifth. LF Ben Revere singled with one out and went on to steal second base. 2B Nick Franklin followed with a walk and moved to second base on a throwing error by 2B Rougned Odor, who unsuccessfully tried to prevent Ben Revere from stealing third. C Juan Graterol hit a sacrifice fly ball next and drove in Ben Revere to put the Angels up 2-0.

Los Angeles’ SP J.C. Ramirez (8-7) pitched 6 scoreless innings, allowing 2 hits and 5 walks while striking out 2. His ERA and WHIP improved to 4.46 and 1.31, respectively.

Texas’ SP Yu Darvish (6-8) went 7.1 innings, giving up 3 hits, 4 walks and 2 earned runs while fanning 6. He now has a 3.49 ERA with a 1.13 WHIP on the year.

The Angels scored an insurance run in the ninth. 1B Luis Valbuena led the inning off with a single and was immediately replaced with PR Eric Young Jr., who went on to steal second base. SS Andrelton Simmons followed with a double, driving in Eric Young Jr. for a 3-0 lead.

CL Bud Norris pitched a perfect ninth to earn his 13th save of the season. He now has a 2.23 ERA and a 1.05 WHIP to show for.

Albert Pujols went 1-for-2 with a solo home run. He is batting .241 and has 27 runs, 13 HR and 54 RBI this year.

After the All-Star break the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim will host a three-game series against the Tampa Bay Rays (47-43) from Friday to Sunday.

The Texas Rangers will travel to the Kansas City Royals (44-43) to play a three-game series from Friday through Sunday.

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