Angels waste solid start by Joe Saunders in loss to Rangers

C.J. Wilson pitched eight shutout innings and Michael Young homered in the first inning to lead the Texas Rangers to a 1-0 victory over the Angels on Friday night.

Young and Nelson Cruz each had two hits for the Rangers, who won by a 3-2 count Thursday thanks to a solid effort from starter Cliff Lee. On Friday, it was Wilson’s (9-5) turn and the southpaw didn’t disappoint, as he gave up four hits and struck out three without walking a batter.

Neftali Feliz retired the side in order in the ninth for his 27th save.

Joe Saunders (6-10), who has just one victory in his last seven starts, just can’t seem to a buy a road win against Texas. The lefty limited the Rangers to seven hits, walked one and struck out six over seven innings, but has lost all six of his starts in Arlington.

Los Angeles, which lost for the 10th time in its last 12 road games, fell seven games behind the AL West-leading Rangers.

Rangers catcher Matt Treanor left after seven innings because of a sprained right knee. He’ll have an MRI exam on Saturday.

Young clubbed a 3-2 offering over the wall in left-center with one out in the opening inning for his 14th homer of the year.

The Angels didn’t have a runner past first base all night. Alberto Callaspo, playing in his first game in an Angels uniform since being traded from Kansas City on Thursday, singled with one out in the eighth inning. Kevin Frandsen flied out and pinch-hitter Maicer Izturis struck out swinging to end the inning.

In the bottom of the seventh, Treanor hit a bouncer off Saunders. The ball caromed toward second base, where Howie Kendrick made a bare-handed stop and threw to first base for the out. Treanor stepped on the front of the base before tripping over the ankle of Frandsen.

Treanor remained on the ground in pain for a minute while he was looked at by the team trainer. He walked off the field and was replaced by Bengie Molina behind the plate for the eighth inning.