Angels hold on for win over Texas Rangers, 7-3

KEY MOMENT: With runners on second and third in the fourth inning, shortstop Erick Aybar hit a slow ground ball to Texas first baseman Brad Snyder, who hesitated just long enough to affect the throw home. The ball went wide left and past catcher Robinson Chirinos, and both runners scored. The error gave the Angels a 3-1, and they wouldn’t trail again.

AT THE PLATE: The Angels scored all seven of their runs in the first five innings, including three each in the fourth and fifth. Designated hitter C.J. Cron had two hits, including a solo home run to tie the score in the third inning, and third baseman David Freese had two hits with two runs batted in. The Rangers picked up two runs against the Angels bullpen, but also left nine runners on base.

ON THE MOUND: Starting pitcher Garrett Richards needed 20 pitches to get out of the first inning and was at 62 through three, but he limited the damage. He lasted six innings and gave up only one run and four hits. Texas starter Joe Saunders was beaten by his former team, which chased him in the fifth. He gave up seven runs (four earned) and 10 hits.

ON THE BASES: Even in victory, the Angels struggled on the basepaths. It started early, when right fielder Collin Cowgill led off the bottom of the first with a double but was thrown out at third trying to advance on a pitch in the dirt. Left fielder Josh Hamilton led off the second inning with a single, but was doubled off when Howie Kendrick lined out sharply to the second baseman. On top of that, the Rangers stole four bases on catcher Chris Iannetta.

ROSTER MOVES: Before the game, the Angels recalled second baseman Grant Green and optioned relief pitcher Dane De La Rosa to triple-A Salt Lake. Green entered the game in the sixth inning, and played first base for the first time in the majors. The club also activated infielder Ian Stewart from the disabled list and optioned him to Salt Lake.

UP NEXT: Jered Weaver (7-6, 3.67 ERA) will face the Rangers and Nick Martinez (1-4, 4.44 ERA) at Angel Stadium on Saturday at 7:05 p.m. On the air: Fox Sports 1; Radio: 830, 1330