Sele on Target in Ranger Win

ARLINGTON, Texas — The Rangers may have started the season without a clear-cut No. 1 starter. They certainly have one now.

Aaron Sele become baseball’s first eight-game winner Saturday night, and the Rangers won their 10th game in a row at home, 7-3, over the Kansas City Royals.

“He’s been in control in almost every one of his starts,” Ranger Manager Johnny Oates said. “I would consider that as more than a quality start.”

Bill Haselman doubled home the go-ahead run in the sixth inning and homered for the Rangers, who have won a season-high six in a row overall.

At 31-16, the Rangers are off to their best start in history.

Johnny Damon went three for four for the Royals, who have lost a season-high eight in a row.

Sele (8-2) gave up eight hits, struck out nine and didn’t walk a batter in winning his third consecutive start. It was his third complete game this season.

“It doesn’t matter who’s catching him, he’s throwing so well,” Haselman said. “All I was doing was putting the glove out there and he was hitting it.”

Sele gave his bullpen a much-needed night off after Ranger relievers threw 5 1/3 innings in Friday’s 13-10 victory over Kansas City. He has pitched seven or more innings in seven of his last nine starts.

“They’ve had a lot of pitching to do the last couple of games, so it was nice to go nine,” said Sele, acquired along with Haselman in an off-season trade with the Boston Red Sox. “I’m just out there trying to throw quality pitches. I was just trying to hang around long enough for us to break it open.”

Haselman, getting his seventh start of the season behind the plate while No. 1 catcher Ivan Rodriguez served as the designated hitter, hit his first homer of the season in the third inning.

NEXT SERIES FOR ANGELS

WHO: Kansas City Royals

WHERE: at Edison Field

WHEN: Monday, 5 p.m.; Wednesday, 7:30 p.m.