Hank Blalock's second homer of the game, a two-run shot with two outs in the ninth inning, gave Texas a 9-7 victory over Los Angeles on Wednesday night and moved the Rangers within one-half game of the Angels in the AL West.
Juan Rivera's three-run homer with two outs in the top of the ninth off Frank Francisco (2-1) tied the game at 7-all as the Angels erased a six-run deficit.
Michael Young singled off Justin Speier (3-2) leading off the Texas ninth. After a sacrifice and a strikeout, Blalock, who homered in the fourth, hit the first pitch into the grassy area beyond the fence in center field.
Texas improved to 5-1 against Los Angeles this season. The teams meet again for a three-game set next week in Los Angeles.
Copyright The Associated Press
