Angels shut out Rangers

Nick Tropeano #35 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim throws in the first inning against the Texas Rangers at Global Life Park on May 23, 2016 in Arlington, Texas.

(May 23, 2016 - Source: Rick Yeatts/Getty Images North America)

The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (21-24) win at the Texas Rangers (25-20) 2-0 in the opener of their three-game series.

The only scoring play of the game occurred in the third inning. 1B Albert Pujols homered the ball 425 ft. into the stands and drove in CF Mike Trout, who doubled in the previous at-bat.

It was Albert Pujols’ 569th career home run, tying him for 12th on the all-time list with former Texas Ranger Rafael Palmeiro.

Texas’ SP Derek Holland and Angels’ RF Rafael Ortega provided some entertainment in the 7th inning as the lefty had several close pickoff attempts at first base.

Derek Holland (3-4) pitched 6.2 innings, giving up 7 hits, 1 walk and 2 earned runs while striking out 4. He now has a 5.21 ERA with a 1.39 WHIP on the season.

SP Nick Tropeano (3-2) worked 6.2 innings as well, allowing 4 hits, 1 walk and fanning 6. His ERA and WHIP improved to 2.86 and 1.47, respectively.

CL Joe Smith earned his sixth save of the season. He walked SS Elvis Andrus before recording three outs to preserve the shutout.