Angels’ Loss Is the Rangers’ Gain

R.A. Dickey pitched six solid innings, tying Toronto’s Mark Hendrickson for the most wins among American League rookies, as the Texas Rangers beat the Angels, 3-2, Friday night.

For the World Series champion Angels, it was the eighth loss in 10 games, and their lead over last-place Texas in the AL West slipped to three games. For Anaheim starter John Lackey, it was the eighth loss in 10 decisions since the All-Star break.

“We have never looked at the standings,” Angel Manager Mike Scioscia said. “We came out to win a ballgame, and where you finish is where you finish. We didn’t reach our goal of making the playoffs.”

Texas is 8-6 in the season series, and 20-13 against Anaheim the last two years.

Dickey (9-8), who started the season in the minors, didn’t make his first major league start until July 11. On Friday, he allowed one run and five hits.

“We’ve got a ton of confidence in R.A.,” said teammate Michael Young, who had three hits. “He attacks the hitters, he has a good tempo to get us off the field fast and he doesn’t beat himself. He gives us a chance to win.”

Said Dickey: “As long as I feel I kept us in the game, I’m happy. I felt like I had good stuff and stayed aggressive.”

Francisco Cordero got three straight outs for his 15th save in 24 chances. Texas had lost six of its previous nine games.

The Rangers took a 3-0 lead in the third against Lackey (9-16) on Alex Rodriguez’s RBI single and Mark Teixeira’s two-run single. Lackey threw 49 pitches in the inning, and Texas left the bases loaded.

Anaheim made it 3-1 in the fourth on Tim Salmon’s 18th homer. Salmon has 32 career homers against the Rangers.

Lackey gave up three runs and seven hits in six innings. He struck out six and walked three.

The Angels got to 3-2 in the seventh on David Eckstein’s RBI single off reliever Aaron Fultz.

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Scioscia said outfielder Darin Erstad, out since early August with hamstring tendinitis, won’t play again this season. Erstad had been taking early batting practice with the hope of getting back in the lineup before the end of the year.