Angels hit power switch late in 9-3 victory over Rangers

KEY MOMENT: Collin Cowgill led off the eighth inning with an infield single and stole second, a call that was confirmed by instant replay. Kole Calhoun struck out, but Mike Trout ripped an 0-and-2 Roman Mendez fastball to right-center for an RBI triple that gave the Angels a 3-1 lead and ignited a seven-run inning.

AT THE PLATE: The Angels took a 2-1 lead in the fourth when Rangers right fielder Michael Choice dropped David Freese’s fly ball in the corner for a two-base error, Freese took third on Erick Aybar’s grounder to second and scored on Brennan Boesch’s sacrifice fly. Howie Kendrick had two hits and is batting .536 (15 for 28) with two homers, two doubles, two triples and 10 RBIs in his last six games

ON THE MOUND: Left-hander Hector Santiago, who allowed one run and five hits, including Adrian Beltre’s homer in the fourth, in five innings, was pulled after throwing only 79 pitches. With the Angels clinging to a 2-1 lead and Beltre due up in the sixth, Manager Mike Scioscia went to Jason Grilli. “That was a matchup situation,” Scioscia said. “Where the score was, who was coming up, I felt better about getting a right-hander in there.” Santiago, who has had a short leash all season, said it was “frustrating” to be pulled because he “wants to go six or seven innings,” but he tried to accept it and move on. “You just go inside and get your work done and get ready for the next one,” he said.

STREET CLOSURE: Closer Huston Street was unavailable Tuesday night because of a tight right hamstring, an injury that flared up when the right-hander pitched the ninth inning of Saturday night’s 8-5 win over Minnesota. Scioscia said Street “should be available” for Wednesday night’s game.

EXTRA BASES: Reliever Joe Thatcher (left-ankle sprain) threw in the bullpen Tuesday and will throw a simulated game Thursday. Barring a setback, he will be activated this weekend, giving the Angels a left-handed relief specialist. … Rangers second baseman Guilder Rodriguez, 31, made his major league debut Tuesday after playing 1,095 games and 13 seasons in the minor leagues. He struck out three times and walked.

UP NEXT: Right-hander Matt Shoemaker (14-4, 3.25 ERA) will oppose Texas right-hander Nick Tepesch (4-9, 4.41 ERA) at Globe Life Park on Wednesday at 5 p.m. PDT. On the air: TV: FS West. Radio: 830 AM.