The teams began a 10-game stretch in which they will play each other seven times. After that, they won't meet again until Sept. 20. The Angels lead the AL West by 2.5 games and have beaten the Rangers in 11 of their last 16 meetings.
Byrd (7-5) threw only 92 pitches and won for the sixth time in eight decisions. He allowed six hits, struck out four and retired 19 of his last 21 batters after being pushed back a day in the rotation because of tightness in his triceps.
Rookie Chris Young (6-4) allowed five runs and 10 hits in five innings and struck out six for Texas.
RSS