Cody Bradford gave up one run in six innings, and Adolis García hit a three-run home run in the first inning, leading the Texas Rangers to a 3-1 win over the Los Angeles Angels on Thursday night.
Bradford (5-2) had his fifth straight quality start, allowing just two hits, both singles by Zach Neto. He retired the last 10 batters he faced.
He walked two batters, tying his season high, and struck out four. Despite a 2.77 ERA in his previous four games, the 26-year-old left-hander had been 0-2 due to receiving only seven runs of support.
“To be honest, today didn’t feel like a great rhythm,” said Bradford, whose fastball was slower than usual at 90-91 mph. “Thank goodness for Adolis’ big swing in the first. You get an early lead, you can go right after guys.”
The Rangers (68-73) have won 8 out of their last 10 games, their best stretch of the season. The defending World Series champions are now within five games of a .500 record for the first time since August 5.
Kirby Yates, the final of three Texas relievers, pitched a perfect ninth inning to earn his 27th save in 28 opportunities.
The Angels (58-82) extended their franchise-record streak of consecutive losing seasons to nine with this defeat.
Neto had three of the Angels’ four hits, all singles.
Their only run came in the third inning when Nolan Schanuel beat out a double-play grounder, allowing Taylor Ward to score from third base.
“He has presence out there,” Angels manager Ron Washington said of Bradford. “He changes speeds very well, and he knows when to put a little on that 88 mph fastball he throws.”
In the seventh inning, Los Angeles had their first two runners on base against José Leclerc. Charles Leblanc struck out, and Matt Thaiss hit a sharp grounder down the first base line. Nathaniel Lowe turned the ball into a double play, with Leclerc barely getting to first base in time for the final out.
