Angels' Ryan Johnson, two relievers combine on 1-hitter in 3-0 victory over the Rangers

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Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Ryan Johnson throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Texas Rangers, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

Los Angeles Angels' Zach Neto (9) reacts from second base next to Texas Rangers first baseman Jake Burger (21) after hitting a double during the first inning of a baseball game, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/LM Otero) — Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Ryan Johnson throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Texas Rangers, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

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9:43 PM on Saturday, August 22

The Associated Press

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 second 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.

Up next

Rangers RHP Cal Quantrill (5-4, 3.13 ERA) is scheduled to start Sunday's rubber game of the series against Angels LHP Yusei Kikuchi (0-3, 5.81), who will be making his first appearance since May 29 due to shoulder inflammation.

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