MLB: Texas 9, LA Angels 7

Hank Blalock’s second homer of the game Wednesday, a two-out, two-run shot in the ninth, lifted Texas to a wild 9-7 win over the Los Angeles Angels.

The bizarre contest saw the Angels overcome a six-run deficit, even though they made two key base running mistakes in the late innings.

What began as a pitcher’s duel between Kevin Millwood of Texas and Jered Weaver of the Angels deteriorated when the Rangers scored five times in the sixth without the benefit of a home run.

Texas took a 7-1 lead into the seventh, but the Angels scored three times in that inning and had a chance for more. With runners on first and third and just one out, Vladimir Guerrero was thrown out trying to steal second and Juan Rivera quickly flew out to end the inning.

Frank Francisco came on to protect a three-run Texas lead in the ninth and Chone Figgins helped out the Rangers by getting thrown out at third trying to stretch a lead-off double.

Francisco, however, walked Bobby Abreu and Torii Hunter, then gave up a score-tying home run to Rivera.

With Justin Speier (3-2) on the mound in the bottom of the ninth, Michael Young singled and moved to second on David Murphy’s sacrifice. Blalock, who had hit a two-run homer in the fourth, came through with another blast that gave the Rangers their second straight win.

Francisco (2-1) got the victory despite blowing the save. The Rangers have a 5-1 record against the Angels this year and moved within a half game of Los Angeles for the lead in the American League West.