ANAHEIM -- Michael Young understands the fragile psyches of fans. He didn't need to be told there were growing concerns deep in the hearts of Texans as the Angels -- these remodeled Albert Pujols, C.J. Wilson Angels -- rose from their April slumber and began making threatening noises.

Victories in the first two games of a June weekend series at Angel Stadium presented manager Mike Scioscia's troupe with the opportunity on Sunday for a sweep that would shave the Rangers' American League West lead to 2 1/2 games.

Drawing on its inner reserves and deep resources, Texas muzzled Pujols in the game's most compelling moment and went on to whack his new club, 7-3. The lead is 4 1/2-games.

"I'm a fan," said Young, who grew up in the Los Angeles area cheering for the local teams but has become attached to the Cowboys since his Raiders returned for Oakland. "I watch the Lakers and Cowboys, and they lose, and there's a beer on the floor, some chips on the floor. I'm not happy.

"So I can take a step back and see how they feel about us. Our fans are emotionally invested in us, and we certainly appreciate that. They're all in. But there's a difference. It's easier for us because we can control it and move forward."

The Rangers took control on Sunday, but not until Dan Haren managed to string out their weekend frustration by stranding seven runners in five innings. The Rangers led 2-1 when Haren, his pitch count at 104, departed.

It would have been tied, if Pujols at first base had handled a one-hopper by Young that scooted past his back hand for a two-out, run-scoring single in the fifth. It brought home Ian Kinsler, who'd doubled leading off the inning.

"It's tough to see on the corners here in the daylight, on a bright day like this," Young said. "That's a tough play for Albert. He's holding the runner [Adrian Beltre] on, and he doesn't expect a right to hit a ball like that."

Young's second hit, a line-drive single to left, would be followed by a monstrous home run by Nelson Cruz in the seventh against Bobby Cassevah for a 5-2 lead. Given the 3-0 green light by manager Ron Washington, Cruz launched it an estimated 484 feet -- longest of the season and 11th longest since 2006 according to ESPN STATS & INFO.

"That's the farthest I've seen in this park," said Texas shortstop Elvis Andrus, who made dazzling plays deep in the hole, robbing Erick Aybar and Mark Trumbo, behind starter Matt Harrison and reliever Mike Adams. "Nelson and Josh [Hamilton] and Beltre are the only ones who can do it."

The rest is here:
Rangers' chemistry helps them fight back