Aguilera Works In and Out of Trouble

ARLINGTON, Texas — Rick Aguilera got a measure of revenge Tuesday night against the Rangers.

Aguilera, who had blown six saves against Texas, worked out of trouble with key strikeouts in the eighth and ninth innings for his 13th save to preserve the Minnesota Twins’ 5-4 victory.

“Save opportunities seem to come in bunches and lately I’ve been getting my share,” said Aguilera, who has two victories and nine saves in his last 16 appearances. “I feel more confident in the way I’m throwing the ball. I had a good split-finger pitch tonight and was able to set up my fastball.”

Matt Lawton and Paul Molitor each went three for five to lead the Twins.

Meanwhile, Rich Robertson (6-3) won for the third time in his last four starts, striking out two and walking one to cool off the Rangers, who had a season-high 18 hits in Monday’s 8-0 victory over the Twins.

Aguilera got the last four outs but it wasn’t easy. He came on with two out in the eighth and a runner on before giving up a single to Dean Palmer. With runners at the corners, he struck out Mike Devereaux looking with a fastball.

Then, in the ninth, he struck out the first two batters before giving up two singles to again put runners at first and third. This time he struck out Rusty Greer on a called third strike with another fastball.

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NEXT SERIES FOR ANGELS

WHO: Minnesota Twins

WHERE: at Minnesota

WHEN: Thursday: 5 p.m., Friday 5 p.m., Saturday: 5 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.