Andrew Heaney ended an eight-start stretch without a win as the Texas Rangers built an early five-run lead and defeated the Los Angeles Angels 7-4 on Sunday.
Heaney (5-13), who was close to having the most losses in the major leagues, gave up four runs, three earned, on three hits in six-plus innings to get his first win since July 21. He was helped by home runs from Marcus Semien, Nathaniel Lowe, and Ezequiel Duran.
Heaney doesn’t often get much run support. The 33-year-old left-hander received two runs or fewer of support in his previous seven starts and in 18 of his 27 starts this season before Sunday. His average run support as a starter was the fourth lowest in the American League.
“Very happy about that. Happy for those guys,” Heaney said. “I know it’s not intentional. I know those guys aren’t having a meeting about, ‘Hey, don’t forget. Heaney’s on the mound. Let’s not support him.’ I know it’s been trying for them.”
Kirby Yates got his 29th save in 30 tries after David Robertson left runners on first and third base in the eighth with a one-run lead.
The Rangers won three of four games against the Angels, matching their season-best streak of four straight series wins, which also happened from April 26-May 8. The defending World Series champions (70-74) have come within four games of .500 for the first time since July 30.
Texas knocked out 20-year-old right-hander Caden Dana (1-1) after 11 batters in his second major league start. Dana, who was called up from Double-A Rocket City on Aug. 30, gave up five runs on seven hits, including three home runs, and left the game with the bases loaded and no outs in the second inning.
Ryan Zeferjahn came in after Dana and stopped Texas by striking out Wyatt Langford and getting Adolis García to ground into a double play.
