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Santana Pitches Angels Past Rangers

LA breaks slump against Texas, which had won seven of eight

By Mike Buss,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 14, 2008 10:46 PM CDT

(Newser) – Ervin Santana rebounded from a three-run first to pitch seven strong innings, Mike Napoli homered and Los Angeles handed the Texas Rangers their fourth straight loss, 7-4 Monday night. Closer Francisco Rodriguez pitched a perfect ninth for his fourth save in five chances for the Angels, who had lost seven of their last eight against Texas.

Santana (2-0) came in 1-4 with an 8.92 ERA against the Rangers on the road and he quickly fell behind, allowing Hank Blalock's two-run homer and Michael Young's sacrifice fly in the first. But after loading the bases in the third, he retired 11 straight. Angels manager Mike Scioscia was ejected in the eighth for arguing a called third strike.

Los Angeles Angels manager Mike Scioscia, left, speaks with home plate umpire Joe West during MLB action against the Texas Rangers in Arlington, Texas, Monday, April 14, 2008.
Los Angeles Angels manager Mike Scioscia, left, speaks with home plate umpire Joe West during MLB action against the Texas Rangers in Arlington, Texas, Monday, April 14, 2008.   (AP Photo/LM Otero)
Texas Rangers' Ian Kinsler walks back to the dugout after he was called out at first base for the final out of their game against the Los Angeles Angels in Arlington, Texas, Monday, April 14, 2008.
Texas Rangers' Ian Kinsler walks back to the dugout after he was called out at first base for the final out of their game against the Los Angeles Angels in Arlington, Texas, Monday, April 14, 2008.   (AP Photo/LM Otero)
Los Angeles Angels' Mike Napoli, left, rounds the bases after his home run as Texas Rangers pitcher Jason Jennings looks on during the second inning in Arlington, Texas, Monday, April 14, 2008.
Los Angeles Angels' Mike Napoli, left, rounds the bases after his home run as Texas Rangers pitcher Jason Jennings looks on during the second inning in Arlington, Texas, Monday, April 14, 2008.   (AP Photo/LM Otero)
With runners on the base, Los Angeles Angels catcher Mike Napoli, left, tries to calm pitcher Ervin Santana in the third inning against the Texas Rangers in Arlington, Texas, Monday, April 14, 2008.
With runners on the base, Los Angeles Angels catcher Mike Napoli, left, tries to calm pitcher Ervin Santana in the third inning against the Texas Rangers in Arlington, Texas, Monday, April 14, 2008.   (AP Photo/LM Otero)
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