WEAVER GOOD AS A MAD MAN ANGER HELP HIM GET WIN ANGELS 8, TEXAS.

Byline: DOUG PADILLA Staff Writer

ALINGTON, Texas --- It ended up being a home run that inspired the Angels to their second consecutive victory.

That the motivational home run came from the Texas Rangers helped show the depths from which the Angels are trying to emerge.

The Angels' 8-5 victory Wednesday over the Rangers allowed them to win a series for the first time since April 24-26 at home against the Detroit Tigers. They won consecutive games for the first time since May 12.

When Jeff Weaver gave up a two-run home run to Brad Wilkerson in the second inning, it served as the right-hander's breaking point. His 1-7 start was bad enough, but when the prospect of another defeat began to take shape, Weaver finally dug deep.

``I hope I figured something out,'' Weaver said. ``I think I have just been waiting around to get my (butt) kicked. After the home run by Wilkerson, something clicked in my head, and I went back to trusting and letting it fly. I tried to keep it aggressive on them instead of just making pitches to make pitches.''

Weaver (2-7) didn't give up another run after Wilkerson's homer and allowed just two more hits until he was removed after sixinnings, having allowed a total of three runs on five hits.

``After Wilkerson's home run, you saw some junkyard dog come out in Weaver,'' manager Mike Scioscia said. ``He was getting after it and he was turning the ball loose with command. We talked earlier this year that he was trying to overthrow and was missing spots, but right after that home run, you saw everything pick up in his game.''

Scioscia said the Angels never discussed Weaver's removal from the rotation, but it was clear that even with a one-year, $8.35 million deal, he was on the path to either the bullpen or out the back door.

Weaver, who snapped a five- game losing streak, maintained throughout his struggles that the problems were more mental than mechanical.

Anger finally set his mind free.

``I need to just do what I'm supposed to do, and that's to stay aggressive, have a little fire and make things happen,'' Weaver said. ``The mind-set I had, hopefully that's the trigger point and I can get back to some consistent ways and build confidence with the rest of the guys.''

Also building confidence was the Angels' offense, which scored 15 runs in the past two games. The Angels scored just 13 runs during their recent six-game losing streak.

Dallas McPherson connected on a two-run home run in the secondinning and used a collision at home plate to score in a four-run fourth inning.

``Hopefully, I'm able to build off of it, but I'm going to continue to go the same way I've been going so far,'' McPherson said of his two-hit day. ``I feel pretty good and I'm seeing the ball decently. But you can always get better. I've felt better at times. Luckily right now, I feel pretty good.''

McPherson's collision at home plate with Rangers catcher Gerald Laird was similar to the one that led to a fight this weekend between the Chicago White Sox's A.J. Pierzynski and the Chicago Cubs' Michael Barrett.

McPherson crashed into Laird to make sure he wouldn't catch the throw from left field. He then rolled over and slammed his palm on home plate. Pierzynski did the same Saturday and then took a punch to the jaw.

``(Mine) was more like, `Thank God I'm here,' '' McPherson said.

McPherson is getting consistent playing time at third base while Chone Figgins is covering for the injured Darin Erstad in center field. Although Erstad is a few weeks from returning, it might not mean diminished playing time for McPherson.

``There are a lot of things that can happen between now and then,'' Scioscia said. ``I think we're versatile enough to be able to make some adjustments if we have to. There are certainly jobs to be won out there. If guys are productive and helping us to win, that's obviously the first step to winning a job.''

By that rationale, Kendry Morales also could forge his way into a regular role. After getting a home run among his three hits in his debut Tuesday, he added a single and a run scored Wednesday.

Although he didn't figure in any of the Angels' scoring, Vladimir Guerrero delivered a first-inning single and now has a hit in all 42 games he has played against the Rangers. It is the longest streak against one team in the era of divisional play and the longest streak of its kind in at least the past 50 years.

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Photo:

Angels third baseman Dallas McPherson collides with Texas catcher Gerald Laird at home plate in the fourth inning of Wednesday's game. McPherson was called safe on the play.

Linda Kaye/Associated Press

(2) Angels starting pitcher Jeff Weaver allowed three runs on five hits in six innings Wednesday against Texas to earn his second victory.

Tony Gutierrez/Associated Press