Slumping Gil Can’t Get a Whiff of a Hit

Mike Scioscia wasn’t around to see Benji Gil strike out with the bases loaded in the fifth inning Thursday. The Angel manager was ejected earlier in the inning for arguing with home plate umpire Greg Gibson about a called third strike to Tim Salmon.

But Scioscia could not deny Gil’s struggles. The reserve infielder was hitless in three at-bats during the Angels’ 9-7 loss to the Texas Rangers, striking out twice with runners in scoring position. Hampered by back spasms, he is 0 for 14.

“Benji just needs some playing time,” Scioscia said. “He’s been out for a while and he needs to get his stroke down.

“He’s a guy who works very hard to bring his part to the club, whether it’s filling in at any position or hitting lefties, whatever role he needs to be ready for.”

The opposition appears to sense that Gil is not at his best. Texas starter Ryan Drese intentionally walked Scott Spiezio to load the bases in the fifth before striking out Gil, who left six runners stranded.

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Brad Fullmer has reached base in 10 consecutive plate appearances, two short of the club record set by Bobby Grich in September 1984. Fullmer, who walked twice and went three for three Thursday to raise his average to .415, accomplished the feat in less than 24 hours. (Thursday’s game followed a Wednesday night game.) Said Scioscia: “He’s drawing his walks, he’s selective when he has to be and he’s swinging the bat as well as I’ve seen him.”

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Aaron Sele threw 60 pitches in four innings Wednesday during his final rehabilitation start for Class-A Rancho Cucamonga, giving up two runs and six hits. He walked none and struck out three despite throwing his fastball 2 to 3 mph slower than in his previous start. Most of his pitches were in the mid-80s and he topped out at 88 mph. Scioscia said Sele would make two or three starts for triple-A Salt Lake, beginning Monday, before rejoining the Angels.... Texas hit nine home runs in the series. The Rangers, who lead the majors with 32 homers, have scored 48 of their 73 runs, 65.8%, on home runs.

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ON DECK

Opponent -- Seattle Mariners, three games.

Site -- Edison Field.

TV -- Fox Sports Net, all three games.

Radio -- KSPN (710), XKAM (950).

Records -- Angels 8-8, Mariners 9-7.

Record vs. Mariners -- 2-1.

Tonight, 7 p.m. -- Ramon Ortiz (2-1, 5.40) vs. Jamie Moyer (1-1, 4.41).

Saturday, 7 p.m. -- Kevin Appier (1-2, 6.61) vs. Joel Pineiro (1-1, 4.50).

Sunday, 1 p.m. -- Jarrod Washburn (1-2, 3.92) vs. Ryan Franklin (1-1, 4.82).

Tickets -- (714) 663-9000.