Cliff Lee pitches 7 innings in playoff tuneup, Rangers beat Angels 3-2

Rangers win in Lee’s final start before playoffs

ARLINGTON, Texas — Vladimir Guerrero drove in the go-ahead run in the eighth and Cliff Lee pitched seven innings in his final tuneup before the playoffs, leading the Texas Rangers past the Los Angeles Angels 3-2 on Thursday night.

Nelson Cruz, who had three hits, doubled to right and stole third on a pitch in the dirt with one out in the eighth. Guerrero lined a single to left off reliever Jordan Walden (0-1) to give Texas the lead.

Darren O’Day (6-2) relieved Lee and allowed a game-tying home run to Peter Bourjos.

Lee, who struck out eight without a walk, gave up four singles and an unearned run. After allowing a double in the sixth, Lee retired the final six batters. He will start Game 1 of the AL division series Wednesday against either Tampa Bay or New York.

Neftali Feliz pitched a scoreless ninth to earn his 39th save in 42 chances.

Angels starter Scott Kazmir allowed two runs and six hits in 5 1-3 innings. The left-hander made his final start of the season and is 2-10 since June 24.

Los Angeles (78-81) must win its final three games to avoid its first losing season since 2003.

Julio Borbon and Elvis Andrus had consecutive one-out singles off Kazmir in the third. Michael Young’s deep sacrifice fly to the warning track scored Borbon and gave Texas a 1-0 lead.

Ian Kinsler led off the fourth with a double off the wall in center and he came around on Guerrero’s double.

Lee bounced back after losing last Thursday at Oakland when gave up four runs in five innings. The left-hander struck out three of the first four batters and allowed three hits through five innings before Los Angeles scored.

Bourjos, who had three hits, led off the sixth with a double and reached third on Borbon’s fielding error in center field. Bobby Abreu hit a sacrifice fly to bring the Angels within 2-1.

Notes: Angels manager Mike Scioscia didn’t know whether Dan Haren would start Sunday’s season finale after the right-hander threw a bullpen session before Thursday’s game. Haren has pitched 222 innings this season. “We’ll see where we are on Sunday.” Scioscia said. “He’s got a lot of innings under his belt, that’s for sure.” … Andrus was back in the starting lineup after sitting out consecutive games. … Kazmir dropped to 0-3 against Texas this season.