Rangers in playoffs, near AL West title after edging Angels

Prince Fielder leads Texas with 186 hits and 96 RBI while Adrian Beltre and Elvis Andrus have combined for 137 RBI. The Rangers can clinch the American League West title with a win Friday.

The Twins continue their pursuit of an AL wild-card spot as they wrap a four-game set against the Indians.

The problem was that two of the next three hitters were left-handed, so if Scioscia would have brought in a righty to face the right-handed Beltre, it would have likely been for just one batter. Albert Pujols doubled and scored on a sacrifice fly in the second to give the Angels a 1-0 lead. The Texas Rangers have won seven of their last 10 home games.

In the second inning, he made a sprawing catch at the fence to rob Shane Victorino of an extra-base hit. He struck out two and walked one. It wasn’t the only thing that was hit, ” Boyd said. “Didn’t have the rhythm like I’ve the past three outings”.

Calhoun also grounded out to Elvis Andrus against reliever Jake Diekman with the tying run at third to end the seventh, the first of five straight chances for the Texas shortstop. Shin-Soo Choo worked his way back from an 0-2 count to walk. Minnesota will send out rookie Tyler Duffey, who has been a late-season revelation, winning each of his past five decisions.

Gallardo matched his career high by making his 33rd start. One of the others is teammate Cole Hamels.

Rangers: C Robinson Chirinos made only his second start since being activated from the disabled list September 7 after missing more than a month with a left shoulder strain.

Tigers: Victor Martinez missed his second consecutive game with a sore left quad….

Tigers: After its final off day of the season, Detroit opens a three-game series Friday night at the Chicago White Sox. The Angels are 14-2 in Arlington over the last two seasons and have outscored the Rangers by 66 runs in those 16 games – more than the Rangers have been outscored in their other 142 home games combined (51 runs).