Done Sleeping On the Rangers?

Texas had lost three straight games during this west-coast swing, but rebounded nicely, winning on a passed ball in the 12th inning to outlast the Angels. Jeff Francouer (above) celebrates after scoring on the passed ball. (AP Photo/Christine Cotter)

They say baseball is America's favorite pastime. Over the last few games (up until last night) baseball was my favorite sedative.

A combination of the late-night games with the fact that a playoff birth is inevitable for the Texas Rangers (84-67) had led me to complete apathy recently. Last night's affair wasn't exactly a thriller either, but I caught the end of the game so let's delve into a little bit of what has gone on over the last few days.

The Rangers won last night despite the fact that the offense continues to sputter. Over the last four games, Texas has averaged a putrid 1.75 runs per and ruined quality starts from Tommy Hunter and Colby Lewis.

The Los Angeles Angels (75-77) jumped out quickly in each of the first two games of the series and used dominant starts from both Jered Weaver and Ervin Santana to wrap up a series win.

Wednesday night was no different as the Angels led 1-0 after one inning and the pitching of starter Dan Haren confounded Rangers' batters all evening. Haren went seven innings, allowing three hits, three walks and one run (not earned) in the no-decision. Rangers' starter C.J. Wilson also received the no-decision, but gave Texas six innings with one run on three hits and five strikeouts.

Each team used five relievers in a game finally decided by a passed ball.

Exciting stuff.

The win puts the Rangers magic number to clinch the division at four, after the Oakland A's helped out by finally losing a game this week. Texas can secure it's first American League West title since 1999 with a split of the four-game series. These two teams go at it starting Thursday night in Oakland, with a 9:10 p.m. start time. The A's lead the season series 8-7.

Cliff Lee (12-8, 3.19 ERA) will get the start for Texas, while Dallas Braden (9-13, 3.65) takes the mound for Oakland.