Rookie Ryan Johnson carried a no-hitter into the sixth inning and worked a career-high seven frames as the Los Angeles Angels shut out the Texas Rangers 3-0 on Saturday night.
Johnson allowed only one hit before Michael Fulmer and Ryan Watson completed the one-hitter. Zach Neto led the Angels offensively with three extra-base hits and scored twice as Los Angeles earned its 11th shutout of the season.
The Angels improved to 52-78 and continued their success against Texas, winning for the eighth time in 12 meetings this season. The Rangers fell to 64-66 as they continued their push for an American League playoff spot.
Johnson Takes No-Hitter Into Sixth
Johnson kept the Rangers hitless through the first five innings at Globe Life Field.
Cody Freeman ended the no-hit bid with a leadoff single in the sixth. It was the only hit Texas managed all night.
Johnson worked around that single and completed seven innings for the first time in his major league career. He struck out three, walked two and hit one batter.
The 24-year-old right-hander improved to 3-7 and earned his first win since July 19.
It was also the second time this season Johnson carried a no-hitter into at least the sixth inning. On June 23, he held Baltimore without a hit for 6 1/3 innings in a 5-1 Angels win.
Saturday’s performance came close to home for Johnson. He is from Red Oak, Texas, roughly 30 miles southeast of Arlington, and played college baseball at Dallas Baptist.
Neto Leads Angels Offense
Neto provided the biggest offensive performance for Los Angeles.
The shortstop went 3-for-5 with two doubles and a triple while scoring two of the Angels’ three runs.
His three-hit performance continued a productive stretch after he went 5-for-6 two nights earlier in Houston.
Los Angeles did enough against Rangers starter Cody Bradford to give Johnson and the bullpen the support they needed.
Bradford allowed two runs on seven hits across 5 1/3 innings. He fell to 0-2 as his search for his first major league win since September 2024 continued.
The left-hander missed all of last season while recovering from elbow surgery and did not make his 2026 debut until August 5.
Like Johnson, Bradford has strong ties to the Dallas-Fort Worth area. He is from Aledo, Texas, and played collegiately at Baylor.
Angels Bullpen Completes One-Hitter
Johnson departed after seven innings with the shutout intact.
Fulmer took over and kept Texas off the scoreboard before Watson finished the game.
Watson recorded his second save, completing a dominant night for the Angels’ pitching staff.
The three pitchers combined to allow only Freeman’s sixth-inning single.
Texas was shut out for the 10th time this season and the second time in four games. The Rangers could not generate sustained pressure against Johnson and failed to solve the Los Angeles bullpen after he departed.
The result was the Angels’ 11th shutout of the year.
Burger Leaves With Wrist Contusion
Texas also lost Jake Burger during the game after Johnson hit him with a pitch in the third inning.
Burger remained in the game initially but departed after four innings with a left wrist contusion.
X-rays were negative, and the Rangers listed him as day to day.
His departure added another difficult development on a night when the Texas offense managed little against Johnson.
The Rangers entered the game competing for an AL playoff position but struggled to generate baserunners. Johnson allowed only Freeman’s hit, two walks and the hit batter during his seven innings.
Angels Continue Success Against Rangers
Los Angeles has struggled overall this season, but its results against Texas have been considerably better.
Saturday’s win gave the Angels eight victories in their first 12 games against the Rangers this year.
Johnson’s performance was the key to the latest one.
The rookie controlled the game from the beginning and did not allow Texas to record a hit until the sixth. He then finished the seventh before turning a three-run lead over to the bullpen.
Neto supplied the offensive spark with three extra-base hits, while the Angels accumulated enough production against Bradford and the Texas bullpen to build their advantage.
Fulmer and Watson made sure the Rangers never mounted a late comeback.
The win also gave Los Angeles an opportunity to take the series in Sunday’s finale.
Up Next
The teams conclude the series Sunday in Arlington.
Texas right-hander Cal Quantrill is scheduled to start with a 5-4 record and a 3.13 ERA.
The Angels will counter with left-hander Yusei Kikuchi, who enters at 0-3 with a 5.81 ERA. Kikuchi is scheduled to make his first appearance since May 29 after being sidelined by shoulder inflammation.
