Padilla had allowed one hit in each of his previous two starts, the first Texas pitcher to accomplish that, even though he wound up with a no-decision in one of those. The right-hander allowed 10 singles against the Angels.

C.J. Wilson worked a perfect ninth for his second save in two chances in place of injured closer Frank Francisco, who was put on the disabled list Saturday.

Lackey is the first starter in the majors to throw only two pitches in a game since Colorado's Zach Day on Sept. 16, 2005. Day was knocked out of that game at Arizona when a line drive broke his right thumb.

Notes: The start of the game was delayed 76 minutes by rain. ... Figgins entered the series in a 2-for-23 slump. He is since 6 for 9, including three hits Saturday. He almost had four hits, but 1B Chris Davis made a full extension to scoop Kinsler's throw for the final out of the game.

After Lackey's first pitch sailed behind Ian Kinsler's head and the next one hit Texas' leadoff batter in the ribs, home plate umpire Bob Davidson immediately ejected the pitcher.

"It was interesting," Kinsler said after the AL West-leading Rangers won 5-3 for their sixth straight victory Saturday.

"I haven't pitched in six weeks. I was obviously trying to come in on him but there was no intention to hit him or to come in behind him," Lackey said. "It was definitely surprising."

Lackey, activated from the disabled list to make the start, had a 1-0 lead after Chone Figgins walked on four pitches to start the game and scored on a wild pitch by Vicente Padilla (3-2).

Kinsler jogged to first base without incident after getting plunked.

But Davidson tossed Lackey, who raised his arms and stood near the mound with a look of disbelief on his face. Manager Mike Scioscia argued at length with Davidson and crew chief Tim Tschida to no avail, though he wasn't ejected.