Rangers down Angels in opener of pivotal series

Arlington, TX – Nelson Cruz homered twice and drove in six, 7, in game series between the AL West's top two teams.

Texas' lead in the division had dwindled to two games entering Friday, as the Angels were riding a six-game winning streak and the Rangers had lost six of eight.

But Cruz and Murphy spearheaded an 18-hit attack to help Texas keep its advantage from shrinking further. Cruz had four hits and Murphy had three, and the 11 runs matched the total the Rangers scored during their recent four-game series against Boston.

Derek Holland (12-5) limited Los Angeles to one run in 6 2/3 innings to pick up the win.