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Howie Kendrick, Jered Weaver guide Angels past Rangers, 5-2

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KEY MOMENT: With the Angels trailing, 2-1, Albert Pujols and Josh Hamilton led off the sixth inning with singles, and Howie Kendrick, on his 31st birthday, lofted a run-scoring single to right-center, his third hit of the game. David Freese added a tiebreaking RBI single, and Hank Conger grounded a two-run double to right to cap a four-run rally and push the Angels toward their 28th come-from-behind win of the year.

AT THE PLATE: The Angels got a scare in the eighth when Collin Cowgill squared to bunt, and Matt West’s high-and-tight fastball nicked off his right thumb and the bat and struck him in the nose, opening a gash that bled profusely. Cowgill remained conscious and alert, and after receiving stitches in his nose, he was taken to a hospital for further tests.

ON THE MOUND: Jered Weaver, pitching in 97-degree heat, showed no ill effects from the lower-back tightness that forced him out of his last start after two innings. He retired 15 of the last 18 batters in a seven-inning, two-run, four-hit effort that improved him to 10-6 with a 3.45 earned-run average. “Everything felt great,” Weaver said. “I didn’t feel restricted or worried about it. It’s nice to come out of it unscathed.”

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DOUBLE SNUB: Garrett Richards had one more shot to make the All-Star team when Tampa Bay ace David Price was scratched from Saturday’s start because of illness and pushed to today, knocking him out of Tuesday’s game. But Boston Manager John Farrell chose Seattle closer Fernando Rodney, who has a league-leading 27 saves and 1.98 ERA, over Richards, who is 11-2 with a 2.55 ERA. “I guess I’ve got to do better next year,” Richards said. “How can I be mad about a personal achievement when we’re playing such good baseball now?”

ROSTER MOVES: Nick Maronde, a left-handed reliever who showed promise in September 2012 but had a 10.50 ERA and 34 walks in 18 minor league innings this season, was traded to Cleveland for cash. . . . First baseman/outfielder Efren Navarro was recalled from triple A and right-hander Drew Rucinski was sent to double A before Saturday’s game.

UP NEXT: Left-hander Tyler Skaggs (4-5, 4.15 ERA) will oppose Texas right-hander Scott Baker (0-2, 5.84) at Globe Life Park today at noon PDT. On the air: TV: FS West; Radio: 830.

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