Jeff Mathis has big game to lead Angels over Rangers, 9-6

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Jeff Mathis capped a four-run sixth inning with a two-run single Thursday, leading the Angels to a 9-6 exhibition victory over the Texas Rangers at Tempe Diablo Stadium. Hideki Matsui sparked the rally with a one-out double to left field, and Kendry Morales and Howie Kendrick each hit run-scoring doubles in the inning.

Kendrick and Morales also hit singles in the fourth inning to drive in Torii Hunter and Matsui, who reached on singles off Texas starter Derek Holland. The Angels, with all of their regulars back in the lineup, had 15 hits and have scored eight or more runs in four of their last seven games.

‘We’re seeing a lot of good signs, starting with getting a little continuity in the lineup,’ Manager Mike Scioscia said. ‘It’s good to see. We feel we have a deep lineup, and we’ve been swinging the bats better the last couple of days.

Mathis, the Angels catcher, also had an oustanding day behind the plate, throwing out Joaquin Arias attempting to steal third base in the fifth inning and Elvis Andrus attempting to steal second base in the sixth.

‘It was a terrific game for him,’ Scioscia said of Mathis. ‘It’s been a while since he’s felt comfortable back there, but I don’t think you can throw a ball better than he did today. He also blocked the ball well and called a good game. He has that kind of talent.’

Sean O’Sullivan, filling in for injured starter Scott Kazmir, who was scratched because of shoulder tightness, allowed three runs and eight hits in four innings, striking out two and walking two.

Closer Brian Fuentes pitched a scoreless fifth inning, allowing a double to Arias and striking out Chris Davis, and long reliever Brian Stokes allowed one run and two hits in two innings.

-- Mike DiGiovanna in Tempe, Ariz.