Andrus was the third Texas batter hit by a pitcher after Mike Trout was hit by a pitch in the Angels second. Carlos Beltran grounded into a double play as Gomez scored.NOTES: Texas came in needing a win to reach 90 victories for the season and 50 at home.
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Houston won 2-1 in 10 innings at Oakland later Tuesday to keep the Rangers’ magic number at two to win their second consecutive AL West title, and seventh overall.
And, with Seattle’s subsequent 3-2 loss to Toronto, the Rangers’ Magic Number dropped to 3, meaning there’s actually a chance to clinch at home before heading out for three final road games – as long as three teams (Texas, Seattle, Houston) all take almost unmitigated chunks at that number today and tomorrow.
After the Angels intentionally walked Rangers catcher Jonathan Lucroy, there was a break in the action because home plate umpire Pat Hoberg wanted to see what was going on down the third base line. “I think that’s what (Escobar) saw”, Scioscia said.
Banister didn’t give any insight about what happened with Owen.
“It’s the appropriate time for both of them to get extra rest”, Banister told reporters. “They were trying to make plans, they interrupted the game, so I went over there and made sure we kept the game going”.
Texas Rangers’ Mitch Moreland walks to the dugout after being ejected from the game by umpire Kerwin Danley, rear, who argues with manager Jeff Banister (28) in the fourth inning of a baseball game, Monday, Sept. 19, 2016, in.
Texas 3, Los Angeles 2, with Sam Dyson recording his third victory and Jose Alvarez suffering his third loss.
But then Martinez got out of it, not with a strikeout, but with a ridiculous behind-the-back, no-look catch of a screamer off Simmons’ bat. Once Martinez realized the ball was in his glove, he leisurely tossed to first base to complete the double play before a fist pump while a huge smile took over his face.
But the best reaction of all was from Angels manager Mike Scioscia, who could only shake his head in utter disbelief at what had just unfolded. “You try to hit the ball hard, and a guy makes a insane play”.
“I’m really happy with the way we’re playing baseball right now”.
Mazara broke a scoreless tie with a leadoff home run in the fifth against Angels starter Jhoulys Chacin. Barnette called it an “encouraging day”.
After the 7th inning the game was tied up at 2 and on came Matt Bush who provided another great outing with a scoreless 1 inning while getting 3 batters to ground out on 14 pitches (10 strikes). The mistake didn’t faze Perez, who coaxed a fly ball before striking out two Angels to end the inning.
Angels: Jered Weaver (11-12) will try to join Chuck Finley (165) as the only pitchers to win 150 games in an Angels uniform.
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Rangers: Lefty Derek Holland (7-8) has lost his last two starts, allowing nine runs in 9 2/3 innings. The right-hander is 17-8 in 39 career starts against Texas, his most wins against any opponent.
