ARLINGTON -- After losing more than five months to a vexing right forearm injury, Matt Shoemaker returned the mound Monday night and took a significant step toward putting his health issues behind him, firing five scoreless innings in the Angels' 3-1 win over the Rangers at Globe Life Park.
Shoemaker allowed only two hits -- none after the first inning -- while walking one, striking out three and throwing 62 pitches in his first start for the Angels since March 31.
Rookie third baseman Taylor Ward made sure Shoemaker's effort didn't go to waste, crushing a two-run home run off reliever Zac Curtis to break a scoreless tie in the seventh inning.