Kazmir solid as Halos take opener

September 18, 8:14 PMLos Angeles Angels of Anaheim ExaminerWilliam Martinez

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AP/Mike Fuentes

If Scott Kazmir was struggling this season, one sure wouldn't know it from the way he has pitched for the Angels.

The southpaw earned his first win as a member of the Angels with six solid innings in a 2-0 win over the Rangers on Friday in Arlington.

Kazmir, who entered the contest with an 0-1 record in an L.A. of Anaheim uniform despite a 1.86 ERA in three starts, was rock solid once again.

Texas only managed to get two runners past first against the veteran and were shut out for the fourth time in their last five games.

The win also lowered the Halos' magic number for winning the division to nine.

Vladimir Guerrero homered and Torii Hunter had an RBI single to provide all the offense that Kazmir would need.

Jason Bulger tossed a scoreless seventh and Kevin Jepsen worked out of a bases-loaded jam in the eighth before handing the ball to Brian Fuentes, who allowed only a walk in recording his majors-leading 43rd save.

Despite losing three of five on the trip, the Angels have managed to increase their lead in the AL West to 7.5 games with 17 games left.

The two teams continue their series on Saturday as Jered Weaver and Scott Feldman square off in the marquee pitching matchup of the set. Game time is set for 4:05 pm Pacific.