Albert Pujols keeps Angels rolling in 8-1 win over Rangers

AT THE PLATE: Mike Trout scored twice, giving him 101 runs and 103 runs batted in. He is one of six players with three 100-run seasons before his age-23 season, joining Ted Williams, Mel Ott, Alex Rodriguez, Vada Pinson and Buddy Lewis. David Freese had three hits and is 11 for 25 (.440) in his last seven games, and Howie Kendrick has five multihit games in a row. Pinch-hitter Efren Navarro hit a two-run triple to key a three-run eighth that gave the Angels a 7-1 lead.

ON THE MOUND: Matt Shoemaker rebounded from a shaky four-inning, three-run start against Minnesota on Friday with a 6 2/3-inning, one-run, seven-hit effort for his franchise rookie record 15th victory. “You can only put so many things into words,” Shoemaker said. “You dream about being here, and to do something like that is definitely an honor.” Kevin Jepsen struck out Luis Sardinas with two on to end the seventh for his 63rd scoreless appearance, tying Francisco Rodriguez’s club record set in 2008. Joe Smith escaped a bases-loaded, no-out jam in the eighth.

SHOTS IN THE ARM: Left fielder Josh Hamilton sat out his sixth consecutive game after taking two more cortisone injections in his injured right shoulder Tuesday, and there is no timetable for his return. “I’ve taken some swings, it will feel good for a few, and all of a sudden it will flare up again,” Hamilton said. “It’s frustrating.” So is not being part of the team’s recent surge. “I actually despise having to watch the games,” Hamilton said. “But at the same time, we’re having so much fun, playing so well … it makes it a little easier and a little harder.”

STREET SMART: Huston Street, sidelined by a right hamstring injury he suffered Saturday, said before the game that he would be available to pitch, but Manager Mike Scioscia said afterward that he wanted to give the closer another day to recover.

EXTRA BASES: Scioscia said bench coach Dino Ebel and Rangers first base coach Bengie Molina, a former Angels catcher, are “on the list of candidates” being considered for the Houston manager’s job.

UP NEXT: Right-hander Cory Rasmus (3-1, 2.81 ERA) will oppose Texas right-hander Nick Martinez (3-10, 5.03) on Thursday at 5 p.m. PDT at Globe Life Park. On the air: TV: FS West. Radio: 830, 1330.