KOLE CALHOUN had three hits in the Angels’ 7-2 win over Texas on Wednesday (Keith Allison photo).

The storybook start of the Los Angeles Angels continued on Wednesday night when they defeated the Texas Rangers 7-2 to rise into first place in the American League West.

That win allowed the Halos to sweep the series and leapfrog the Houston Astros with a 10-3 record, one game ahead.

Jaime Barria, making his major league pitching debut, threw five strong innings in which he yielded just one hit – a home run – while striking out three batters and walking three.

“Jaime pitched well,” manager Mike Scioscia said. “He got a little bit tired. He hasn’t gone that long in a while. But he gave us five strong innings, worked his way out of some trouble, showed all of his pitches and looked good. We thought he was part of our depth and he showed it tonight.”

Kole Calhoun led the offense with three hits – including a home run – and two RBIs. In the lineup as a designated hitter, two-way star Shohei Ohtani  singled, drove in a run and drew a walk.

The Angels will continue their road trip on Thursday they travel to Kansas City (3-7).

Mariners tame Tigers in Empire opener

Pacifica High’s baseball team opened Empire League play with a 7-1 victory over Valencia High Wednesday at the Tiger Field.

Nathan Petrutis led the way for the Mariners (11-7 overall) with a double and a home run, driving in two runs.

PHS will face Valencia again on Friday, hosting the game on its home field. The M’s are now tied for first with Cypress and Western, who also won first round opening games.

In the Empire League, Edison defeated Marina 6-3 and Huntington Beach defeated Newport Harbor 8-6.The Chargers posted their first league win of the season. Edison is now 1-5 in the Sunset and 8-10 overall.

Huntington Beach, meanwhile, continued unbeaten in the Sunset at 6-0 (17-3) overall. Marina goes to 1-5 in league and 8-14 overall.