"It's been a frustrating stretch for us the last couple games," Scioscia said. "I think guys understand what's important is how we're playing the game. These guys all know we're not going to be on every night. Sometimes less is more and their swings might be getting a little big, trying to do too much."

Scioscia looked to jumpstart the offense by juggling the lineup to create a more "situational hitting" look. Maicer Izturis moved up to second with Bobby Abreu slipping back to third (despite a .211 average since the end of July). Torii Hunter went from third to fifth with Kendry Morales and Juan Rivera lining up sixth and seventh.

The Angels lead the majors in batting average with runners in scoring position. But they have not been coming through in those situations recently. They are just 31-for-131 (.237) in those situations over the past 15 games.

"Maybe our guys are gripping the bat a little too tight," Scioscia said. "I think guys are coming back into the dugout at times and they're showing their frustration. They're not going to be on every night but we have an awfully deep lineup and we feel we can pressure teams better than we have the past few nights."

ANGELS 2, ROYALS 1: The Angels were outhit 11-3 Friday -- but won. Shutout by RHP Robinson Tejeda and the Royals bullpen through seven innings, they loaded the bases on three consecutive walks before Vladimir Guerrero drove in two with a single down the third-base line. The win was just the sixth in the past 15 games for the Angels, but it allowed them to keep the Rangers (winners of four straight) 3 1/2 games back in the A.L. West.