Shoemaker shines in return from DL

MATT SHOEMAKER pitched five scoreless innings in his return to the Los Angeles Angels’ mound as the Halos defeated the Rangers 3-1 on Monday in Arlington (Keith Allison photo).

After losing a series to the division-leading Houston Astros, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim found an opponent more their size Monday as they defeated the last place Texas Rangers 3-1 in Arlington.

The Halos (67-71) got a strong start by Matt Shoemaker, just back from the disabled list. He pitched five scoreless innings, giving up just two hits while striking out three and walking just one.

In a departure from the typical, the bullpen came through for the Orange County team. Six relievers held the Rangers (60-78) to four hits and one run. Taylor Cole picked up his 14^thsave of the season.

Taylor Ward hit a two-run home run in the seventh inning that was the difference. That’s his third homer since joining the team.

On Monday, Andrew Heaney (8-8) will start for the Angels, while Mike Minor (10-7) goes for the Rangers in a 5:05 p.m. contest.

ALSO on Monday, the Los Angeles Dodgers (75-63) lost 4-2 to the New York Mets. The loss dropped the Dodgers back into second place in the National League West, a half-game back of the Colorado Rockies.