ANAHEIM, Calif., Sept. 14 (UPI) -- Tim Salmon's three-run homer in the fifth inning erased a two-run deficit Saturday and led the Anaheim Angels to their franchise record-tying 93rd victory, an 8-6 triumph over the Texas Rangers.
After spotting the Rangers a five-run lead in the first inning, Salmon completed Anaheim's comeback, belting a 1-2 offering from Todd Van Poppel over the wall in center field. The homer snapped a four-for-26 slump for Salmon and lifted the Angels to their 42nd come-from-behind victory in 2002.
The comeback spared Anaheim starter Kevin Appier his eighth consecutive loss to Texas. In just 3 1/3 innings, Appier yielded six runs and seven hits. Righthander Scot Shields (5-3) gained the win, tossing 1 2/3 hitless innings with two walks and two strikeouts.
Troy Percival worked around two walks in the ninth for his 39th save for the Angels, who posted their fifth straight win and reduced their magic number for clinching a playoff spot to seven.
Anaheim remained tied with Oakland atop the AL West.
Van Poppel (3-2) took the loss in relief of starter Dennys Reyes, who surrendered six runs and 10 hits in 4 2/3 innings.
