MLB: Texas 11, LA Angels 6

ANAHEIM, Calif., Aug. 8 (UPI) -- Josh Hamilton's three-run blast in the first, one of five Texas homers, started an onslaught Friday that carried the Rangers past the Los Angeles Angels 11-6.

Texas won for the eighth time in 10 meetings with the Angels this year and moved within 3 1/2 games of division-leading Los Angeles in the American League West. The Rangers are also just one game behind Boston in the race for the top spot in the AL wild-card race.

After Hamilton's home run in the first, Hank Blalock hit a solo shot in the same inning.

Texas then got three solo homers in the fifth from Taylor Teagarden, Omar Vizquel and Michael Young -- all off reliever Justin Speier.

The Rangers built a 9-1 lead and held on despite a four-run Los Angeles seventh that included a three-run homer by Maicer Izturis.

Scott Feldman (11-4) benefited from the 15-hit attack to get the win, giving up four runs on eight hits in six innings.

Joe Saunders (9-7) lasted just 1 2/3 innings, allowing five runs on five hits.