Angels outmuscle Rangers to deny sweep

ANAHEIM — The series finale between the Angels and first-place Rangers turned into a home run derby on Sunday afternoon at Angel Stadium, with the Halos coming out on top with a 3-2 win to avoid a sweep.

For the Rangers, the loss reduced their lead over the Indians for the best record in the American League to one game. The league’s best record guarantees home-field advantage throughout the postseason. Texas’ magic number to clinch the AL West is 11 games over the Astros, pending the result of Houston’s late game against the Cubs.

Both teams traded solo home runs through six innings. Colby Lewis, making his first start with the Rangers since June 21, allowed a homer to leadoff man Yunel Escobar on his third pitch. Lewis was activated from the disabled list before the game.

Angels shortstop Andrelton Simmons unloaded against Lewis leading off the bottom of the second and again in the sixth, which proved to be the difference in the game.

Adrian Beltre homered twice off Angels starter Jered Weaver, leading off the top of the second and then with two outs in the sixth.

Weaver earned the win to improve to 11-11, his third straight winning decision. The veteran recorded a season-high eight strikeouts and walked two over 6 2/3 innings. Weaver allowed two singles in addition to Beltre’s pair of homers.

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