Rua’s homer, Faulkner’s dominance lone bright spots in messy loss

Perhaps the Texas Rangers would like to go back to San Antonio.

The Los Angeles Angels handed Texas its fourth consecutive loss in Arizona on Sunday 5-1.

The Rangers committed a spring-high five errors, including two by shortstop Jurickson Profar. The Rangers won twice in San Antonio over the weekend during split-squad action.

Pitching: Starter Nick Martinez fought through a porous defense that committed five errors, allowing three runs (two earned) over four innings. The fifth error came from Martinez, who threw a pick-off attempt at second into center field. Closer Shawn Tolleson made his second appearance and struggled with his command. He left after two outs in the sixth after a hit and three walks. Andrew Faulkner held the Angels to one hit over two scoreless innings. Tony Barnette allowed two hits but pitched a scoreless ninth.

Hitting: Ryan Rua homered off starter Andrew Heaney for the Rangers’ lone run. Drew Robinson also tripled to left-center with two outs in the seventh. Shin-Soo Choo, Rougned Odor, Robinson Chirinos and Ian Desmond each had singles. Pedro Ciriaco was 1 for 2 to keep his league-leading batting average at .500.

Notable: Jurickson Profar made two errors (throwing, fielding) and has four this spring. ... Justin Ruggiano took over for Mitch Moreland at first base in the third inning. It was Ruggiano’s second game at the position. In the sixth, Daniel Nava lined a shot off Ruggiano in the sixth. The deflection bounced to Ciriaco at second base, who threw back to Ruggiano for the rare 3-4-3 putout. ... Faulkner has held opponents to three hits in eight scoreless innings this spring.

This story was originally published March 20, 2016 at 7:32 PM with the headline "Rua’s homer, Faulkner’s dominance lone bright spots in messy loss."