Bradford’s strong start, García’s 3-run homer lead Rangers past Angels 3-1

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Cody Bradford allowed one run in six innings and Adolis García hit a three-run home run in the first as the Texas Rangers beat the Los Angeles Angels 3-1 on Thursday night.

Bradford (5-2) made his fifth consecutive quality start and allowed just two hits, both singles by Zach Neto, retiring the last 10 batters he faced. He walked two, matching his high this season, and struck out four. In his previous four outings, the 26-year-old left-hander was 0-2 despite an ERA of 2.77 as he was provided seven runs of support.

“To be honest, today didn’t feel like a great rhythm,” said Bradford, whose velocity was down from his usual fastball of 90-91 mph. “Thank goodness for Adolis’ big swing in the first. You get an early lead, you can go right after guys.”

The Rangers (68-73) are 8-2 in their last 10 games, their best 10-game stretch this season. The defending World Series champions are within five games of .500 for the first time since Aug. 5.

Kirby Yates, the last of three Texas relievers, pitched a perfect ninth inning for his 27th save in 28 chances.

The Angels (58-82) extended their franchise-record streak of consecutive losing seasons to nine with the loss.

Neto had three of the Angels’ four hits, all singles.

Their run scored in the third inning when Nolan Schanuel beat out a double-play grounder, which allowed Taylor Ward to break from third base and beat the throw home.

“He has presence out there,” Angels manager Ron Washington said of Bradford. “He changes speeds very well, and he knows when to put a little on that 88 mph fastball he throws.”