California Takes Three of Four from Texas to Remain in Playoff Hunt

The Angels took a series from the Rangers but it wasn't easy -- two games went to extra innings and a third was won by a run.  But by winning this tense matchup, California remains in good position for a playoff spot, keeping pace with Minnesota for the AL West crown.

Game One: Rangers 6, Angels 5 (10 innings)

Buddy Bell's three hits and three RBIs leads the way for Texas in a win in extra innings. After a throwing error in the bottom of the 10th from Bobby Grich puts Curtis Wilkerson on second for Texas, Bell sneaks a single between first and second for the comeback win.

Game Two: Angels 2, Rangers 1

Mike Witt improves to 7-1 by keeping the Rangers off the board. Texas's Danny Darwin pitches a complete game five-hitter but gives up Wally Joyner's eighth homer and an eighth inning double down the third base line from Rod Carew to break the tie and give the Rangers the win. Bryan Harvey saves his ninth.

Game Three: Angels 3, Rangers 2 (10 innings)

Another nail-biter, this one is tied 1-1 after nine as neither team can muster much offense off starters Chuck Finley and Jon Matlack. The Rangers get the go-ahead run in the top of the 10th when Pete O'Brien hits his fourth homer off the Angel's Harvey.  But California responds in the bottom of the inning. Texas closer Jim Kern blows his fourth save -- he walks two to load the bases for California with no outs and then proceeds to induce infield popups from Joyner and Doug Decinces. But he can't escape the jam, as Angels' pinch hitter Chili Davis strokes a two-out, two-run single off Kern to start the celebration in Anaheim.

Game Four: Angels 5, Rangers 3

Another day, another close game. This one is tied at three apiece going into the eighth, but Texas relievers again come up short. Greg Harris gives up an RBI single to Bob Boone to break the deadlock and then Dale Mohorcic walks in another run after loading the bases. Harvey nails down his 10th save.