ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Although Huston Street is never pleased about giving up a ninth-inning homer, the veteran closer thinks he learned something he can use next month in games that matter a bit more. The Los Angeles Angels all plan to take a cautious, learning approach to their final games of the regular season as they prepare for what they hope will be a memorable post-season run. Ryan Rua hit his first major league homer, and the Texas Rangers beat the playoff-bound Angels 2-1 Sunday for their eighth win in nine games. Although the AL West champion Angels (96-60) wrapped up their home schedule with a quiet loss, they still finished with a league-best 52 home victories. They have lost five of eight overall, but still lead Baltimore by 2 1/2 games for home-field advantage throughout the post-season after the Orioles 3-2 loss to Boston. The Angels are still trying to win, but theyre also trying to stay healthy and happy. When Howie Kendrick felt minor tightness in his hamstring late in the game, Angels manager Mike Scioscia immediately yanked him. "Theres a lot to play for, a lot to look at," Scioscia said. "Were trying to win ballgames. We definitely want to try to get that best overall record ... but were going to have to be sensitive to the needs of every individual player, and thats going to take a precedent over trying to push them too hard to where some of these guys break." Albert Pujols drove in the Angels only run in the finale of a 10-game homestand during which they clinched their first playoff berth and division title since 2009. Rua broke a tie with his one-out shot to left off Street (1-2), the Angels normally reliable closer. It was the first homer in 83 at-bats for Rua, who made his Texas debut late last month. "I normally dont throw a fastball in ... but I just wanted to work on something," Street said. "I know its a tie game, but it was a pitch I felt like I had set up. You can build off of outings like today." Tomas Telis had a bases-loaded infield single for the big league-worst Rangers, who took two of three in majors-leading Los Angeles final home series of the regular season. "I like their lineup," Texas interim manager Tim Bogar said of the Angels. "Its strong all the way through. Their starting pitching has had a couple of injuries that might slow them down just a little bit, but theyre a strong team. Their bullpen has been really strong the past month, so I think they have the momentum they need to go into the playoffs and do what they need to do." Shawn Tolleson (3-1) got two outs in the eighth for Texas. Neftali Feliz struck out the side for his 11th save. Texas Nick Tepesch was sharp in his first start after earning his only victory since June, pitching seven innings of four-hit ball against the majors most productive offence. Cory Rasmus pitched into the fifth inning for the first time since the Angels decided to fill injured Garrett Richards rotation spot with bullpen starts led off by the right-hander. Rasmus has been impressive in his five starts under that strategy, yielding three runs and eight hits in 16 innings. HIT BY PITCH Tepesch hit Mike Trout in the upper arm in the first inning, plunking the favourite for AL MVP for the second time this month. Texas RHP Nick Martinez also has hit Trout twice in the clubs last two series. TRAINERS ROOM Rangers: OF Alex Rios will sit out the final week of the season to rest his badly bruised thumb. He hasnt played since Sept. 4. Angels: OF Josh Hamilton sat out for the 16th time in 17 games with upper-body pain. UP NEXT Rangers: Derek Holland (1-0, 0.99 ERA) makes his fifth start of the season against Houstons Nick Tropeano at home Monday night. Angels: C.J. Wilson (13-9, 4.42 ERA) returns from a dominant start to face Oaklands Jeff Samardzija on Monday night. Cheap MLB Jerseys . PAUL, Minn. Cheap Marlins Jerseys China . Auld made 37 saves in a 5-3 loss to the Boston Bruins on Saturday. It was Ottawas first game without starter Anderson, who is out indefinitely after cutting his hand Wednesday night, and it was evident the team wasnt sure how to deal with the change in goal. http://www.cheapmarlinsjerseys.com/ .The rookie goalie made 36 saves to help the Calgary Flames blank their Pacific Division rivals 1-0 on Saturday following a 48-hour ordeal that included lost baggage, a cancelled flight and a new pair of contact lenses. Cheap Jose Fernandez Jersey . -- Theres nothing like winning to bring hope for a struggling team. Cheap Marlins Jerseys . Nothing pretty. But this is 1/4 World Cup. Usually plays out this way.With more than a quarter of the Sky Bet Championship gone, we ask Sky Sports EFL analyst Ian Holloway for his team of the season so far. Newcastle have laid down an early marker of intent by taking 37 points from their first 16 games while Brighton are on their coattails, just three points behind.Those two clubs make up five of Holloways early season picks while surprise package Huddersfield, who went unbeaten for the opening 11 games, have two players in the eleven. Reading, Leeds, Bristol City and Fulham also have a representative. Heres a look at his best Championship XI... GOALKEEPER: Ali Al-Habsi (Reading) Ali Al-Habsi of Reading in action What I love about watching Al-Habsi is that hes an entertaining goalkeeper - he can make exceptional saves and hes been busy this season. Only Adam Davies at Barnsley has made more saves than him in the Championship.He lost his way slightly after leaving Wigan, where he was exceptional in the Premier League, but hes found consistency this season in a Reading side that are surprising a lot of people. Its great to see his big smile beaming.RIGHT-BACK: Bruno (Brighton) Brighton defender Bruno makes Ollies XI It would be harsh not to put one of the solid Brighton back-four in my team. The Brighton skipper has played every minute for the Seagulls this season and theyve kept 11 clean sheets in 16 matches, which is phenomenal. Plus, hes got a bald head and a beard, so hes right up my street.His manager Chris Hughton was a brilliant full-back and Bruno is following his lead.CENTRE-BACK: Pontus Jansson (Leeds) Pontus Jansson has become an instant hit at Elland Road I havent seen Jansson put a foot wrong at Leeds yet. He defends his box with great authority as shown by his average of 9.2 clearances per game in a much improved Leeds team under Garry Monk.Im so pleased to see the Leeds fans enjoying themselves again - they never turned their back on the club and with strong characters like Jansson in the team, they could achieve great things this season.CENTRE-BACK: Jamaal Lascelles (Newcastle)Every successful team needs a leader like Lascelles, who is showing age doesnt matter when appointing a captain.The 22-year-old isnt afraid to speak up if something isnt right and the way he took responsibility for a couple of individual mistakes at the start of the season was very impressive. The Newcastle attackers have grabbed most of the headlines this season but the defence has only shipped three goals away from home. Lascelles has been a rock for the Toon.LEFT-BACK: Scott Malone (Fulham) Fulhams Scott Malone has impressed Holloway so far I had Malone at Millwall and had to sell him as he didnt want to sign a new deal. Im not surprised in the slightest about his rise - all he needed to do was believe in himself. Highlights of Fulham’s 2-0 win away to rivals Brentford in the Sky Bet Championship Hes slotted in perfectly at Fulham since joining from Cardiff. They allow him to get forward into dangerous areas and his crossing is fantastic as shown by his two assists this season.CENTRAL MIDFIELDER: Jonjo Shelvey (Newcastle) Jonjo Shelvey is the best player to ever play in the Championship, says Olliie Shelvey is the first name on the teamsheet.ddddddddddddHes a genius - the best Ive ever seen play in the Championship. He can get it off the centre-halves, dictate play and go beyond into the final third. When he gets into shooting positions he also has the quality to either score or find one of his mates. Shelvey is a Rolls-Royce of a footballer. Shelvey scores a sensational goal in Newcastles 6-0 win over QPR CENTRAL MIDFIELDER: Aaron Mooy (Huddersfield) Aaron Mooy celebrates after scoring Huddersfields winner against Leeds This could be the signing of the season. I didnt know much about him before he joined Manchester City and Huddersfield have played a blinder to get him in on loan. Everything Huddersfield do is orchestrated by Mooy, who averages 69.9 passes per-game (only Liam Moore at Reading averages more).Moor makes them tick and has a great chemistry with his midfield buddy Jonathan Hogg. I hope Huddersfields success continues. ATTACKING MIDFIELDER: Elias Kachunga (Huddersfield) Elias Kachunga has featured heavily for David Wagners Huddersfield Huddersfield boss David Wagner has a real eye for talent. I love Kachungas energy and his ability to play anywhere across the front line. Off the right, off the left - he embraces wherever hes asked to play. Hes got a knack of popping up with an important goal too.ATTACKING MIDFIELDER: Anthony Knockaert (Brighton) Anthony Knockaert is a nightmare for defenders, says Holloway What a player. Hes carried on where he left off last season for Brighton, providing some magic out wide. He gets me off my seat every time he gets the ball. Defenders must have nightmares about marking him as he moves the ball quickly. It doesnt surprise me that hes made 61 successful dribbles already this season - the second most in the league.Hes a Premier League player playing in the Championship.CENTRE-FORWARD: Tammy Abraham (Bristol City) Tammy Abraham has been in superb form since joining on loan from Chelsea Abraham has exploded onto the scene. Im amazed someone so young can look so mature in the way he plays the striker role. I can only stand and applaud him for the way hes adapted from youth football to the Championship.Hes a threat over the top, he can bring other players into the game and hes dynamite in front of goal. He reminds me of when I first saw Andy Cole play. To score nine goals already is a monumental achievement. Hes a very exciting player. Well done, son.CENTRE-FORWARD: Dwight Gayle (Newcastle) Dwight Gayle has bagged 11 goals this season after moving from Crystal Palace Hes doing me proud. I tipped him to be the leagues top scorer and he hasnt let me down, firing in 11 already. He was the most expensive player I ever purchased as a manager when I took him to Crystal Palace and Im not surprised to see him banging them in. Hes pure quality. Get Sky Sports Alerts Breaking news, line ups and goal alerts from your football club - direct to your mobile Also See: WATCH: Champ goals NOW! 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