Angels News: Series Win Over Texas Rangers Served as Momentum-Changer in LA

The Angels are heating up after winning three of four games against the Rangers.

The race for the AL West could have been widened over the last four days. Instead it grew ever-tighter as the Angels won three of four matchups in Arlington. It was a significant series victory because it put the Angels just 4.5 games out of first place in the division and 1 game out of the Wild Card.

However, the strong showing was perhaps even more important for the Angels' confidence as they seek to make the playoffs for the first time since 2014.

"Obviously, this is a huge series win against a first-place team," Ohtani said. "All the boys are fired up because we came out on top. So we hope the momentum will continue into the next series."

(Via MLB.com)

Ohtani pitched 6 innings, giving up 6 hits and 2 earned runs in addition to his 3 strikeouts. He homered in the 8th inning and was walked twice. 

Ohtani's 22nd home run of the season is good for first in the MLB, with Pete Alonso of the New York Mets his only company. Ohtani remains a heavy favorite to win the AL MVP.

This series saw the bullpen step up in a major way, only allowing 5 earned runs in the four games. The Angels have one of the lowest team bullpen ERAs in baseball at just 3.35.

Having won 9 of their last 11 contests, the Angels are one of the hottest teams in baseball. With upcoming series against the flailing Kansas City Royals and Colorado Rockies (and an exciting 2-game series against the Dodgers sandwiched in between), the Angels could be on track to have as good a June as anyone.