Arlington, TX (SportsNetwork.com) – Robinson Chirinos hit a three-run homer
and finished with a career-high five RBI to power the Texas Rangers to an 8-2
rout of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim on Wednesday.
Elvis Andrus homered and scored twice, while starter Nick Martinez (2-0)
earned the win after surrendering one unearned run on five hits over seven
innings for the Rangers, who ended a two-game skid.
Angels starter Drew Rucinski (0-1) was pounded for four runs on six hits and
four walks in 2 2/3 innings during his first major league start.
Rougned Odor opened the game with a walk, stole seconded and hustled home on
Mitch Moreland’s grounder up the middle for an early score.
The Angels had the bases loaded with two outs during the second, but Erick
Aybar hit into an inning-ending double play.
In the bottom of the second, Andrus hit a one-out single, stole second and
moved to third on a wild pitch before Leonys Martin walked and stole second.
Chirinos drove in the two baserunners with a double to center and Odor
followed in similar fashion for a 4-0 Texas lead.
The Rangers added four more runs with a pair of homers in the sixth. Andrus
led off with a blast to left. Carlos Peguero was hit by a pitch and Martin
singled to left before Chirinos brought them home with a towering shot to
center.
Chris Iannetta singled to open the seventh, moved to third after Collin
Cowgill reached on a force attempt and a throwing error and scored on Johnny
Giavotella’s sacrifice fly for the Angels’ first run of the game.
An inning later, Efren Navarro scored from third after C.J. Cron hit into a
force out for an 8-2 game.
Game Notes
The Rangers defeated the Angels at home for just the second time in 12 games
… Angels outfielder Mike Trout extended his hitting streak to eight games in
his 500th career game, while outfielder Kole Calhoun missed a third straight
game with a strained right calf … Texas will have right-hander Anthony
Ranaudo on the mound against Angels left-hander Hector Santiago in Wednesday’s
rubber match.
