Talk » married. I dont think his wife is going anywher

ARLINGTON, Texas -- Pitching with a chip on his shoulder, Garrett Richards succeeded Friday night in displaying what the American League All-Star team will be missing next Tuesday in Minneapolis. The right-hander allowed five hits over seven innings to extend his personal winning streak to seven decisions as the Los Angeles Angels handed the Texas Rangers their sixth consecutive loss, 3-0. Richards (11-2) is unbeaten in his last eight starts and he has an ERA of 1.27 during that span. His last loss was May 30, at Oakland. Mike Trout provided Richards all the run support he needed with a solo home run in the fourth inning, his 22nd of the season. After not being chosen initially for the AL All-Star squad, Richards was one of the five players nominated for the final, vote-in slot that went to Chicago White Sox left-hander Chris Sale. "Its some motivation for the whole year," Richards said of not making the All-Star team. "Ill probably end up carrying that with me the whole year." "Hes an All-Star in our mind; no doubt about it," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said. "Hes having an incredible first half, and hopefully hell pick it right up after the break." Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus said the key with Richards is "You dont know whats coming. He can sink. He can cut the ball. Hes controlling his breaking pitch the way he wants to, to keep the ball down." Albert Pujols and Erick Aybar had two hits each for Los Angeles, and Alex Rios had two for Texas. Rangers right-hander Nick Tepesch (3-5) retired the first 10 batters he faced before Trout sent a 1-0 sinker 418 feet to centre field for the games first run. Tepesch allowed two runs in the seventh. The Rangers left eight men on base and went 0 for 6 with runners in scoring position, each of the latter coming with two outs. The Angels have won eight of their last nine games and 17 of their last 21. Their record of 24-9 since June 6 is the best in the majors during that span. "The team chemistry is unbelievable," Trout said. "We have to keep thinking one game at a time. We cant look too far ahead." The Rangers (38-55) have lost 12 of their last 13 games and 20 of their last 23, saddling them with the worst record in the major leagues. Texas manager Ron Washington delivered a passionate, 30-minute talk to his players after their 15-6 loss to Los Angeles on Thursday night and said he saw progress from his team in Fridays defeat. "We played a much crisper game," Washington said. "Its tough when you have to face a guy like Richards." Pujols opened the Angels seventh with a shot that went under Andrus glove and was ruled a single. Josh Hamilton pulled a liner to the right side that skimmed off the glove of second baseman Rougned Odour, sending Pujols to third. Aybar hit an opposite-field flare to left that scored Pujols and ended Tepeschs night. David Freese greeted reliever Neftali Feliz with a single up the middle to score Hamilton. Rangers third baseman Adrian Beltre, one of the clubs two All-Stars, extended his hitting streak to 15 games with a third-inning single. NOTES: The Rangers signed RHP Jerome Williams, released by Houston in June, to a minor league contract and assigned him to Triple-A Round Rock. Williams was 1-4 with a 6.04 ERA in 26 appearances. ... Angels RHP Jared Weaver said he will be ready to start Saturday after leaving Mondays game after two innings with a stiff back. ... Rangers C Geovany Soto made a written apology through the club after being arrested Wednesday on a misdemeanour charge of marijuana possession. Tracy McGrady Jersey . - Buffalo Bills running back C. Steve Francis Jersey . Trailing by a goal after 20 minutes of play, Joe Pavelski responded with three goals and an assist as the Sharks snapped a two-game losing skid with a 5-2 victory over the struggling Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday. http://www.therocketsofficial.com/ . After a tight first half, the Croatians took command in Reykjavik after Skulason was dismissed for a professional foul in the 51st minute, but couldnt find a way past Iceland goalkeeper Hannes Halldorsson and his packed defence. Eduardo had a weak shot cleared away from near the goalline after barely a minute for Croatia, whose substitute Ivica Olic forced a fine reaction save from Halldorsson in the 55th. Eric Gordon Jersey .2 million deal for the upcoming season with right-hander Garrett Richards.The person spoke on condition of anonymity Saturday because the announcement hadnt been made. Gerald Green Jersey . Parmelee hit a game-ending shot in the ninth inning and the Minnesota Twins overcame David Ortizs big night to beat the Boston Red Sox 8-6 on Tuesday. MIAMI -- LeBron James looked groggy, battled the sniffles as he spoke and wore a large bandage Saturday over the bridge of his swollen, broken nose. None of which stopped James Miami Heat teammates from ribbing him about the injury, which could keep him out of Sundays game against Chicago. "Funny guys on this team, Ill tell you," James said, managing a chuckle. "We got a couple of big-nose jokes in there," teammate Chris Bosh said. James sat out practice Saturday, although he shot some baskets and free throws on the side. He said he wouldnt have played if there had been a game, but added he has felt better each day since breaking his nose during Thursdays victory at Oklahoma City. He hopes to improve enough to play against the Bulls, and his availability will be a game-time decision. When asked how his nose felt, James said, "It has been better. Its a little bit of everything -- pain, headaches, whatever. I have to get past it and hopefully get better in the next day. Im definitely not going to rush it." James was to be fitted for a protective mask and will likely wear it if he plays against the Bulls. "Its nothing you want to make long-term," James said. "Its very uncomfortable." James knows from experience. He wore a mask for a few weeks 10 years ago, after he broke his cheekbone hours before his 20th birthday in a game for Cleveland against Houston. James said he doesnt recall missing significant playing time then. "That was a 19-year-old recovering, compared with a 29-year-old recovering," he said with a laugh. "It takes a little bit longer than when I was 19.dddddddddddd" James was hurt in the fourth quarter of Thursdays game when he was struck inadvertently by defender Serge Ibaka on a drive to the basket. He missed the final six minutes, but even with his nose still bleeding afterward, he took teasing for how he looked. Coach Erik Spoelstra said a doctor fixed James nose Friday to "make it look prettier." "You cant be sensitive in this locker room," Bosh said. "Hes still a good-looking guy. Hes still married. I dont think his wife is going anywhere." James sat out one game earlier this season with a groin injury, and the Heat won at Portland despite the absence of their leading scorer. "We want to continue with the theme of no excuses, even without him," Spoelstra said. "Guys are willing, ready and able to step up. We have guys who are clawing to get some playing time." Any absence is unusual for James, who has never missed more than seven games in a season during his 11-year career. "Hes Iron Man," Bosh said. "But sometimes when you have a broken nose, you have to rest a little bit. Hell have to rub some dirt on it and come back healthy." After facing Chicago, the Heat are off until Thursday, when they play host to the New York Knicks. Sundays home game will the first in 20 days for the Heat, who went 5-1 on a trip that spanned the All-Star break. Miami trails Eastern Conference leader Indiana by 1 1/2 games. "Were not really concerned about that," Dwyane Wade said. "This team just wants to continue to play well. Everything else will take care of itself." ' ' '