ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Rookie Ryan Johnson carried a no-hitter into the sixth inning for second time this season and three Los Angeles Angels pitchers combined for a one-hitter in a 3-0 win over the Texas Rangers on Saturday night.
Johnson (3-7) struck out three in a career-high seven innings and won for the first time since July 19. He allowed only Cody Freeman’s leadoff single in the sixth inning and two walks with a hit batter. On June 23, the 24-year-old
right-hander threw 6 1/3 innings of no-hit ball in beating Baltimore 5-1.
Rookie Ryan Watson followed Michael Fulmer and recorded his first major league save.
Zach Neto went 3 for 5 with two doubles, a triple and two runs two nights after going 5 for 6 at Houston. The Angels (52-78) beat the Rangers (64-66), who are competing for an AL playoff spot, for the eighth time in 12 games this season.
Johnson defeated left-hander Cody Bradford (0-2) in a matchup of Dallas-Fort Worth players.
Johnson is from Red Oak, Texas, located about 30 miles southeast of Arlington, and played collegiately at Dallas Baptist. Bradford is from Aledo, about 30 miles west of Globe Life Field, and played collegiately for Baylor, about 90 miles south.
Bradford allowed two runs on seven hits in 5 1/3 innings. He missed all of last season recovering from elbow surgery, made his 2026 debut on Aug. 5, and was looking for his first major league win since September 2024.
The Angels picked up their 11th shutout of the season. Texas was shut out for the 10th time this season, including twice in the last four games.
Texas’ Jake Burger was hit by Johnson in the third inning and left the game after four innings with a left wrist contusion. X-rays were negative, and Burger is listed as day to day.
Rangers RHP Cal Quantrill (5-4, 3.13 ERA) is scheduled to start Sunday's rubber game of the series. The Angels have not announced a starter.
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