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We'll know some time in this calendar year if this is the last season as a Ranger for free-agent-to-be right fielder Nelson Cruz.

So it's worth taking the time to appreciate how Cruz over the years has been able to carry the Rangers' offense for stretches. He's going through one of those get-on-my-back moments this week.

Cruz has been the backbone of the offense. He drove in the Rangers' first run in Thursday's 2-1 victory at Minnesota as his road-weary team played a game 12 hours after arriving in the Twins Cities.

He would have homered for the fourth straight game Thursday night if he were playing in any ballpark but Target Field. Cruz's missile of a line drive in the second inning slammed against the extended cemented wall in right field, scoring Adrian Beltre for a 1-0 lead. The ball bounced back so quickly back to Twins right fielder Chris Parmelee that he was able to throw out Cruz trying to turn a single into a double.

Cruz has RBIs in five straight games, totaling 12 after driving in six runs in the Rangers' first 17 games. He starts Friday's games sixth in the American League in RBIs, eight behind former teammate Mike Napoli now playing for Boston. Cruz has overtaken Ian Kinsler for the team lead.

Cruz's latest stretch is why he's so valuable to a lineup. And while Cruz didn't make the catch fans will never ever forget in Game 6 of the 2011 World Series, it's become easy to take for granted what he has meant to the Rangers' offense in the regular season and postseason.

Don't forget Cruz has the most home runs and RBIs in a postseasons series in baseball history when he went for 6 HRs and 13 RBIs in the 2011 American League Championship Series against Detroit. Another case of Nellie being Nellie.

Enjoy Cruz's latest streak while you can. This might be one of the last ones in Texas.

A new more notes from Thursday's series-opening win in Minnesota:

1. Hot start: The Rangers at 15-7 are off to their third best start in franchise history after 22 games. Only the 1989 Rangers led by new acquisitions Nolan Ryan (free agent) and Rafael Palmeiro and Julio Franco (trades) have started a season better with a 17-5 record. The '89 Rangers finished 83-79. The 2012 Rangers opened the season with a 16-6 record. You know the story of how last year's team finished.

2. Series machine: The Rangers haven't lost a series -- at 5-0-2 the only team in baseball not too -- and are a good bet to win or at least split this four-game series with the Twins after winning Game 1 Thursday. The Rangers are 17-0-2 in their 19 series when they win the opener.

3. Making Worley work: The Rangers put Twins start Vance Worley to work Thursday night. Worley threw 102 pitches in five innings as the Rangers continued their season trend of getting to an opponent's bullpen. The highlight was No. 9 hitter Leonys Martin fouling off seven consecutive pitches in the second inning as Worley threw 37 pitches. It didn't lead to a big offensive night for the Rangers, but a similar approach on Friday night probably will.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. -- Nick Tepesch’s location is better than his vocabulary, but in his vocabulary’s defense, his location is pretty good.

When asked if he was able to rest upon flying into Minneapolis on Wednesday night while his Texas Rangers teammates finished off the Los Angeles Angels before arriving early Thursday morning, he, in a roundabout way, called himself … large?

“I got pretty good rest, I’m not too much of a wiry guy,” Tepesch said. “It was a good night’s sleep.”

Thursday night likely wasn’t very restful for the Minnesota Twins, who faced him earlier in the evening, as Tepesch was efficient and effective in 6 2/3 innings, allowing just one run on five hits with one strikeout as the Rangers escaped with a 2-1 victory.

Tepesch didn’t walk a batter, and hasn’t since the second inning of his major league debut on April 9 against the Tampa Bay Rays -- a span of 19 1/3 innings and 78 batters faced.

“It’s my game plan to attack hitters, just go right after guys,” Tepesch said. “Walks are free passes and you don’t want to give those out.”

The 24-year-old is off to a brilliant start to his major league career, now sporting a 2.53 ERA and a 2-1 record with a 14:3 strikeout to walk ratio. On Thursday he retired the first 12 Twins hitters in order before Justin Morneau led off the fifth inning with a single. Tepesch gave up another hit in the sixth but erased the runner on a double-play. He was finally touched up in the seventh when Josh Willingham hit a home run that barely cleared the wall in the left field corner.

Tepesch was chased by back-to-back singles after recording the next out, but still wound up with just 90 pitches thrown -- 65 for strikes.

“That’s his style of pitching, he’s always been a strike thrower,” Rangers manager Ron Washington said. “If you can execute pitches you don’t have to be overpowering, and he can execute.”

His only mistake Thursday was the one slider to Willingham, who was looking for it. And of course the “ed” in “wired” that turned into a “y.” He probably won’t lose too much sleep over either.

MINNEAPOLIS -- His arms flexed at his sides, Tanner Scheppers let out a yell one part excitement, one part relief.

The Texas Rangers right-hander had just induced a sharp ground ball off the bat of Minnesota Twins cleanup hitter Josh Willingham -- already with a homer in the game -- that Elvis Andrus, Ian Kinsler and Mitch Moreland turned into a pair of outs to escape a bases-loaded jam and preserve Texas’ one-run, eighth-inning advantage in its eventual 2-1 victory over the Twins Thursday night.

Consider it another stage in the evolution of the 26-year-old from just another inconsistent arm to a vital cog in the back end of the Rangers’ bullpen.

“That’s just growth,” Texas manager Ron Washington said. “We always knew he could throw the ball; it was just a matter of how consistently he could throw strikes. And he’s showing he can throw strikes right now.”

Scheppers (2-0) hasn’t allowed a run in 10 appearances over 11⅔ innings this season, although his path to hold No. 4 this season could’ve been tidier.

After a foul popup for the first out, Scheppers allowed a flare to right field off the bat of pinch hitter Wilkin Ramirez, followed by a sharp double from leadoff man Brian Dozier. Scheppers intentionally walked Joe Mauer to load the bases and worked the count full to Willingham before locating a two-seam fastball on the outer half of the plate to induce the double play.

“Just really wanted in play on the ground, get it on the corner or up the middle,” Scheppers said. “Definitely nice to get out of it but definitely want cleaner innings than that.”

That said, the Rangers are learning a lot about their young setup man early in the season based on jams like he pitched into and out of on Thursday.

“Scheppers is a guy -- I don’t think it’s any secret -- his stuff is electric,” closer Joe Nathan said. “[He’s] pitched in tight situations and gotten out of those tight situations, which helps. It gives a little more confidence and lets you know you can do it. So each time out there you know you can do it.”

As Scheppers continues to trust himself, Texas will keep entrusting him with the baseball in late-inning pressure situations. And while both parties might ultimately prefer a nonchalant walk to the dugout after a 1-2-3 inning, they also both know that the yells that do come from him as the season progresses will be many more parts excitement than frustration.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. -- Rookie Nick Tepesch gave up just one run and Elvis Andrus’ first RBI since April 13 was the difference as the Texas Rangers squeaked out a 2-1 win over the Minnesota Twins on Thursday night.

Tepesch A-OK: Tepesch appeared no worse for wear after leaving his previous start in the second inning following a line drive off his right wrist. The right-hander retired the first 12 Twins he faced on Thursday before Justin Morneau led off the fifth inning with a single. Tepesch held Minnesota scoreless through 6 1/3 innings before Josh Willingham’s solo home run ended the shutout. Morneau followed with a groundout, but Chris Parmelee and Trevor Plouffe hit back-to-back singles to chase Tepesch from the game. With the Rangers clinging to a 2-1 lead, Robbie Ross induced a groundout from pinch hitter Ryan Doumit to end the threat.

Streaking (Part 1): Texas has won six times in its past seven games, its best stretch since winning six of seven to kick off April. The Rangers are now a season-best eight games over .500.

Sweat it out: Right-hander Tanner Scheppers loaded the bases with one out in the eighth inning and Texas still holding a 2-1 advantage, giving up a single, double and intentional walk. But Scheppers induced a full-count, ground-ball double play from Willingham to end the threat. Former Twin Joe Nathan worked around a two-out single in the ninth inning for his seventh save.

What might have been: A night after notching a nine-run fourth inning, the Rangers were once again poised to open the floodgates early against Twins starter Vance Worley. But Nelson Cruz’s liner off the right-field wall to drive in Adrian Beltre caromed directly to Parmelee, who fired to second base to easily cut down Cruz for the inning’s second out. David Murphy followed with a walk and Mitch Moreland hit an infield single, but Leonys Martin popped out to end the threat. Texas forced 37 pitches from Worley in the frame but managed just the one run. The Rangers once again threatened a big inning in the sixth when they loaded the bases with one out against reliever Josh Roenicke, but Moreland struck out and Martin fouled out to end the inning.

Out at second: Two innings after being thrown out at second base by Parmelee, Cruz was thrown out trying to steal second when Murphy swung and missed on a 3-2 slider. It was Cruz’s first stolen base attempt this season. After stealing 17 bases in 2010, Cruz has swiped just 17 bags since while being thrown out 10 times.

Cruz control: With a pair of singles and a walk, Cruz reached base three times on Friday for the third consecutive game. It marks the first time Cruz has accomplished the feat since reaching three times in three games from September 6-9, 2008.

Streaking (Part 2): A.J. Pierzynski’s single in the sixth inning pushed his hitting streak to six games, while Elvis Andrus extended his hitting streak to five with a fifth-inning double.

Baker nears return: Utility man Jeff Baker is expected to return to action on Friday. He has been out of the lineup since April 23 with a bruised left knee.

Up next: Justin Grimm (1-0, 2.70 ERA) looks to build on his career-high nine-strikeout performance his last time out. Twins left-hander Scott Diamond (1-1, 4.35 ERA) will face Texas for the first time since being ejected for throwing behind the head of Josh Hamilton last August. First pitch is 7:10 p.m. CT on TXA21, ESPN-FM 103.3 and in Spanish on 1540 AM.

Shortstop Elvis Andrus' defense is so good sometimes it can be taken for granted. Pitcher Yu Darvish is athletic enough to field his position.

Both made spectacular bare-handed plays in the last week that can easily be taken for granted.

Andrus' bare-handed play in the seventh inning against the Los Angeles Angels came on a high chopper by Mark Trumbo for the second out of the inning. Andrus positioned his body perfectly to field the ball with his right hand and make the throw in one motion. He was shaking his hand for several seconds after the play. The Rangers went on to win 5-4.

Darvish made his play in his start against the Seattle Mariners last Friday. With the Mariners' Endy Chavez trying to bunt for a hit, Darvish bolted off the mound and fielded the ball near the third base line and whipped a throw to first base to nip the speedy Seattle center fielder. Darvish looked like Andrus making a throw from shortstop. Darvish ended up the winning pitcher as the Rangers beat the Mariners 5-0.

The Rangers are off to a strong start defensively, ranking fifth in baseball with a .900 team fielding percentage.

"We've played pretty well," second baseman Ian Kinsler said. "Elvis is growing up. Beltre is a two-time platinum Gold Glove winner. I'd like to think I'm a good defensive player. Mitch is a very solid first baseman. It's no surprise to us. We believe that we're very good defensively. I guess we just have to prove it."

The Texas Rangers and Minnesota Twins open a four-game series tonight at Target Field. First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. CT on ESPN 103.3 FM and in Spanish on 1540 AM ESPN Deportes. Here's a look at the pitching matchup, featuring Rangers RHP Nick Tepesch and Twins RHP Vance Worley.

Tepesch (1-1, 3.07 ERA): The rookie left last week's start in the second inning after being struck on his right wrist by a line drive. ... He tossed a normal, 45-pitch bullpen session before Monday night's game in Anaheim. ... Tepesch struck out three of the seven batters he faced before leaving the game on Saturday. ... Has recorded 29 ground balls to seven fly balls, good for a 4.14. GB/FB ratio, the highest among major-league starters with at least three starts in 2013.

Worley (0-2, 7.11 ERA): Has lost his two previous home starts this season, giving up nine runs in one inning to the New York Mets on April 12 and three runs in six innings to the Detroit Tigers on April 1. ... Pitched efficiently in his last outing, allowing only one run in seven innings against the Chicago White Sox. He also struck out a season-high seven batters.

Hitters: Tespesch has never pitched against the Twins. ... Lance Berkman (1-for-3), Geovany Soto (1-for-5) and Jeff Baker (0-for-1) are the only Texas players that have faced Worley.

Up next

Friday at Minnesota: RHP Justin Grimm (1-0, 2.70) vs. LHP Scott Diamond (1-1, 4.35), 7:10 p.m. CT, ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM/1540 AM/TXA21

Saturday at Minnesota: LHP Derek Holland (1-1, 3.25) vs. Pedro Hernandez (0-0, 3.86), 3:10 p.m. CT, ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM/1270 AM/Fox Sports Southwest

Sunday at Minnesota: RHP Alexi Ogando (2-1, 3.12) vs. RHP Kevin Correia (2-1, 2.86), 1:10 p.m. CT, ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM/1540 AM/Fox Sports Southwest

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- The Texas Rangers' best offensive inning of the young season centered around patience.

That is, until Nelson Cruz took the aggressive route.

PODCAST
Jim Bowden discusses the state of the Rangers rotation, Mitch Moreland's struggles, the weaknesses of the team and if Jurickson Profar should have been shipped during the offseason. Listen

The Rangers sent 13 batters to the plate in the fourth inning of Wednesday night's 11-3, series-clinching victory against the Los Angeles Angels. It was the most plate appearances in a frame since last April. They managed nine runs, the most in a road-game inning since 2007.

And it began with restraint, as Adrian Beltre opened the frame by drawing his first of two walks.

"How weird is that?" Beltre asked reporters. "Two walks? Is that a record? Two walks in an inning? I think for me it is."

Cruz followed with a single, sparking a sequence that proved to be the turning point against rookie left-hander Michael Roth, the Angels' ninth-round selection in last year's amateur draft whose only other start this season came at Double-A Arkansas.

In all, there were five walks and five base hits in the fourth. Cruz sent fans to the exits with a broken-bat homer to left-center field that made it 9-0.

"When he gets through the baseball, it doesn't matter if the bat holds together or not," Rangers manager Ron Washington said. "He showed you what his strength is all about."

Cruz showed smarts, as well.

"When you see a guy struggling to find the strike zone, sometimes it's good to be aggressive," Beltre said. "Sometimes you get a good pitch to hit, and [Cruz] did. You assume he's going to throw a fastball, and he did."

The Rangers enjoyed very productive at-bats with runners in scoring position, going 5-for-9 in those situations one night after a weak 1-for-13 effort.

The lead grew to 11-0 by the time Yu Darvish, who tossed six scoreless innings, left the game. A light drizzle blanketed Angel Stadium in the seventh, but it had begun to pour long before then as the Rangers won yet another series.

"Adrian got on base, Nelson got him to third and it kind of snowballed from there," said A.J. Pierzynski, who singled and walked in the fourth. "Adrian had another good at-bat later, and it culminated with Nelson hitting a big home run. It was big."

Beltre smiled when asked if he had ever hit a broken-bat blast like Cruz did.

"I'm not that strong," he said.

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Nelson Cruz broke his bat on a three-run homer to cap a nine-run fourth inning, guiding the Texas Rangers to a series victory against the Los Angeles Angels with a 11-3 win on Wednesday night.

Floodgates, opened: The Rangers chased rookie left-hander Michael Roth -- a ninth-round selection in last year's draft making his first career start -- in the fourth, sending 13 batters to the plate on the strength of five walks. Cruz delivered the dagger, lifting the first pitch he saw from David Carpenter over the wall in left-center field. Before beginning his trip around the bases, Cruz smiled toward the dugout and gestured that his bat had cracked.

A long frame: The nine runs in the fourth were the most scored by Texas in an inning since Aug. 22, 2012 against Baltimore, the most runs in a road game inning since Aug. 22, 2007, and the most plate appearances in an inning since April of last year.

Ace comes through: For the fourth time this season, Yu Darvish followed a Rangers loss with a win. The right-hander had been 3-0 with a 1.31 ERA pitching in games after a Rangers loss, and surely improved those numbers with six shutout innings Wednesday. Texas is still the only team in baseball that hasn't lost two straight games.

How Yu did it: Darvish had a pitch clocked as high as 98 mph and as low as 61 to keep Angels hitters off balance yet again. He struck out 11, reaching double-digit punchouts for the 11th time in his career and improving his career record against the Halos to 5-1, including 3-1 at Angel Stadium.

Berkman gets his second: Lance Berkman homered for the first time since April 7 and registered his first multihit game since April 9. Before the game, manager Ron Washington said this weekend's weather conditions in Minnesota would determine whether the switch-hitting Berkman, 37, gets a day off, but the designated hitter appears to be finding his groove.

Up next: Nick Tepesch (1-1, 3.07 ERA) looks to bounce back from last week's abrupt ending. Twins right-hander Vance Worley (0-2, 7.11 ERA) is scheduled to take the mound in the opener of the four-game set. First pitch is 7:10 p.m. CT on Fox Sports Southwest, ESPN-FM 103.3 and 1540 AM.

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Fortunately for the Texas Rangers, utility man Jeff Baker appears to have averted major injury.

PODCAST
Jim Bowden discusses the state of the Rangers rotation, Mitch Moreland's struggles, the weaknesses of the team and if Jurickson Profar should have been shipped during the offseason. Listen

X-rays on Baker's swollen right knee came back negative on Wednesday and, though he wasn't in the lineup for the series finale against Los Angeles Angels rookie left-hander Michael Roth, Rangers manager Ron Washington said he expects Baker to be available for the upcoming series at the Minnesota Twins.

"He'll probably play the field somewhere and let one of those regular guys have a day in the DH spot to get them off their feet," Washington said. "He'll more likely be in the infield than outfield."

Baker crashed into the wall after making a sliding catch in the first inning of Tuesday's 5-4 loss and was removed from the game.

"When I hit the wall it kind of shocked me a little bit," Baker said. "I know there's padding down there, but when I looked at the replay, I was wondering why it hurt so bad and why it swelled up so quick. I got the little spot just beneath the padding where it's concrete.”

“I was a little concerned, to be honest, but it's just a bruise,” he said. “I have some swelling in there in the joint line that we're working hard to get out. I was fortunate."

Baker hoped to be ready for Friday's matchup against Twins left-hander Scott Diamond. The Rangers also are slated to face left-hander Pedro Hernandez on Saturday afternoon in Minneapolis. Baker is a lifetime .297 hitter against southpaws.

"I'm always going to play the game hard," Baker said. "Unfortunately, [injuries] come with the territory. Going out there and playing hard, sometimes stuff happens. As soon as I'm ready to go, I'll go back in there to grind it out."

When informed that his acrobatic catch had cracked the Top 10 Plays on "SportsCenter," Baker smirked.

"No wonder my phone was blowing up," he said. "That's cool, I guess, but I would have rather stayed in the game."

First start for Roth

--Roth, set to make his first career start, pitched in relief against Texas on Monday but faced only one batter, Lance Berkman, who singled.

"I got what our scouts that have seen him think of him, so it's all we have," Washington said. "He's the newcomer. We know nothing about him.

“Just try to go off the velocity they give us. Hopefully we can get him to make some mistakes and take advantage of it.”

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- David Murphy is hitting eighth in tonight's lineup against a left-hander as Jeff Baker (knee) recovers from Tuesday's injury. The Texas Rangers go for the series win agains the Los Angeles Angels. Here are the lineups for tonight's game on ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM:

RANGERS
2B Ian Kinsler
SS Elvis Andrus
DH Lance Berkman
3B Adrian Beltre
RF Nelson Cruz
C A.J. Pierzynski
CF Craig Gentry
LF David Murphy
1B Mitch Moreland

ANGELS
CF Peter Bourjos
LF Mike Trout
DH Albert Pujols
RF Josh Hamilton
1B Mark Trumbo
2B Howie Kendrick
SS Brendan Harris
C Chris Iannetta
3B Luis Jimenez

The Texas Rangers and Chicago Cubs will play on Monday, May 6 at 7:05 p.m. at Wrigley Field in a makeup game for April 17's game that was rained out. May 9 was originally an off day for both clubs.

That road trip for the Rangers will now be a four-city, nine-game trip to Chicago (May 6), Milwaukee (May 7-8), Houston (May 10-12) and Oakland (May 13-15).

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- The Texas Rangers and Los Angeles Angels play the rubber match tonight at Angel Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for 9:05 p.m. CT on ESPN 103.3 FM. Here's a look at the pitching matchup, featuring Rangers RHP Yu Darvish and Angels LHP Michael Roth.

Darvish (3-1, 2.03 ERA): Struck out 10 and gave up three hits in seven shutout against the Seattle Mariners in his last outing. ... His 38 strikeouts rank first in the American League. ... Darvish has not given up a home run this season. ... Has a 4-1 record and 4.36 ERA in seven career starts against the Angels.

Roth (1-0, 3.60 ERA): Scheduled to make his first career start. ... Gave up a base hit to the only batter he faced on Monday night, Lance Berkman. ... Earned a win in his major league debut on April 13, becoming the first Angels reliever to win his debut since 1983. ... Made one start this season with double-A Arkansas, throwing five shutout innings and striking out three. ... Was the Angels' ninth-round selection in the 2012 amateur draft out of South Carolina, which won the College World Series in 2010 and 2011.

Hitters: Mike Trout (6-for-19, 2 HRs, 4 RBIs and 5 BBs) has been successful against Darvish, while Josh Hamilton went 2-for-3 on April 7 when he faced the Japanese right-hander for the first time. ... Alberto Callaspo (7-for-16) is on the 15-day disabled list because of a right calf strain. ... Howie Kendrick (0-for-12, 5 Ks) and Mark Trumbo (3-for-18) have struggled against Darvish. ... Berkman singled against Roth on Monday. He was the only Texas player Roth faced.

Up next

-- Thursday at Minnesotta Twins: RHP Nick Tepesch (1-1, 3.07) vs. RHP Vance Worley (0-2, 7.11), 7:10 p.m. CT, ESPN-FM 103.3/1540 AM/Fox Sports Southwest

-- Friday at Minnesotta: RHP Justin Grimm (1-0, 2.70) vs. LHP Scott Diamond (1-1, 4.35), 7:10 p.m. CT, ESPN-FM 103.3/1540 AM/TXA21

-- Saturday at Minnesotta: LHP Derek Holland (1-1, 3.25) vs. Pedro Hernandez (0-0, 3.86), 3:10 p.m. CT, ESPN-FM 103.3/1270 AM/Fox Sports Southwest

Yu Darvish has been in this position before -- starting the day or night after a Texas Rangers loss.

He's flourished in that situation so far this season.

Darvish will have his fourth chance in five starts to win following a Rangers loss. So far he's 3-0 with a 1.31 ERA in those situations. Texas is the only team in baseball that hasn't lost two games in a row, and Darvish is as big a reason as any.

PODCAST
Jim Bowden discusses the state of the Rangers rotation, Mitch Moreland's struggles, the weaknesses of the team and if Jurickson Profar should have been shipped during the offseason. Listen

An ace's biggest task is being a club's stopper and keeping his team from going on long losing streaks. With Matt Harrison's average of 17 wins the last two seasons out of the rotation and two rookies in -- as effectively as Justin Grimm and Nick Tepesch have pitched, they've made a combined seven career starts -- the onus is on Darvish, Derek Holland and Alexi Ogando. The Rangers are trying to maintain their early-season trend of winning series (they're 4-0 with two splits heading into Wednesday's rubber game against the Angels).

Darvish should be in prime position to beat the Angels on Wednesday night. He has pitched well in Anaheim, where he is 2-1 with a 2.11 ERA and .171 batting average against in three starts.

Also, Angels starter Tommy Hanson, who was scheduled for Wednesday, is on the club's bereavement list. So left-hander Michael Roth, who was pitching in college at South Carolina this time last year, will make the start for the Angels.

Darvish versus Roth is a huge mismatch.

The Angels have burned through their bullpen the last five games, using relievers for 19 innings. Closer Ernesto Frieri has appeared in three straight games, so he won't be available Wednesday.

It's a big advantage for Darvish, who gets another shot at doing what he's done best this year -- winning after a Rangers loss.

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Texas Rangers manager Ron Washington doesn't expect Jeff Baker to miss much time following Tuesday's knee injury.

Baker left in the first inning of the 5-4, extra-inning loss to the Los Angeles Angels after crashing into the padded wall near the left-field foul line. He made a sliding catch on Josh Hamilton's line drive and braced his collision with his right knee.

Washington said the knee was swollen.

"Right now there is no major damage," Washington added. "It may be a day or so, but he's fine."

Baker, a .297 career hitter against left-handers, was in the starting lineup Tuesday with Jason Vargas on the mound for the Angels. Baker did not have a plate appearance, however.

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Before Howie Kendrick put smiles on the faces of Los Angeles Angels fans with a walk-off blast Tuesday night, the Texas Rangers bullpen had done the same to manager Ron Washington.

Sure, left-hander Joe Ortiz gave up a home run in the 11th inning of a tough 5-4 loss here. But Washington was more than content with what he got from his relief corps.

"Somebody has to win and somebody has to lose," Washington said. "We certainly felt good with Ortiz out there."

Ortiz inherited the bases loaded in the 10th frame with one out and Albert Pujols due up.

"I still look at him, along with Miguel Cabrera, as the most dangerous man on earth with a bat in his hands," Washington said of Pujols before the game.

Someone forgot to inform the 22-year-old rookie.

Ortiz was cool under pressure, getting the veteran Pujols to ground into a force play. He wasn't out of harm's way by any means, but Josh Hamilton grounded out softly to second base. Ortiz bounced off the mound and pumped his left fist.

The relievers have gained trust rather quickly.

"They've been asked to do the job and they've done it," general manager Jon Daniels said prior to the game. "We've got talented guys with good makeup, but they lack experience. Wash has done a great job of managing the pen. He's put guys in spots to succeed."

Robbie Ross was equally impressive, tossing 2 1/3 shutout innings in relief of Alexi Ogando. Ross got Mike Trout to hit into a double play in the eighth and worked around a Hamilton leadoff single in the ninth.

"They've been unbelievable," Adrian Beltre said. "Everyone has pitched well."

Consider:

--Kendrick's home run was only the second earned run Ortiz has surrendered in eight games this year.

--Right-hander Tanner Scheppers, who wasn't available Tuesday after going two innings the night before, has yet to allow a run in nine appearances this season.

--Michael Kirkman also wasn't available after throwing three innings Sunday, but Washington has been pleasantly impressed by the quality of his arms.

"I've been very pleased, especially with the kids being thrown into the fire," Washington said. "They have responded."