Texas Rangers 2, LA Angels 1 (12 innings)

Finally, Texas gets a little closer to a postseason berth.

The Texas Rangers took a big step towards locking up a playoff berth Wednesday night, defeating the Angels 2-1 in California. The loss snapped a three-game losing streak and improved Texas to 84-67 on the season.

Photo not provided by the Texas Rangers

Texas is now just two wins away from the mythical promised land.

With the Rangers' win and an earlier Oakland loss, Texas now has an eight game lead over the A's for first place in the AL West. Any combination of four Texas wins and/or Oakland losses would ensure a Rangers division title, their first in over a decade.

With the score tied at 1-1 heading into the 12th, right fielder Jeff Francoeur led off with a double, Texas' first hit in over five innings. After Chris Davis drew a walk, both runners were advanced by a bunt from Bengie Molina. Mitch Moreland struck out after that, but a passed ball on Angels catcher Jeff Mathis allowed Francoeur to score from third.

Matt Harrison pitched a scoreless 11th for his third win of the season, while Neftali Feliz threw a perfect 12th for his 37th save of the year. Feliz' 37 saves tie the American League rookie record, set by Mariners closer Kazuhiro Sasaki in 2000.

Rangers starter C.J. Wilson was excellent in yet another winless September start. Wilson allowed just one run on three hits over six solid innings, walking three and striking out five.

Posted by Todd M.