Texas quickly built a 3-0 lead, scoring more runs through its first three batters off Saunders (8-5) than in 10 of its June games. Kinsler extended his team record with his 10th career leadoff homer, fifth this year, and Byrd connected after Michael Young walked.

Saunders is 0-5 with an 11.67 ERA in five career starts at Rangers Ballpark. The left-hander is 21-4 with a 2.92 ERA in 31 starts as a visitor to other ballparks - and 3-0 with a 1.44 ERA in four home starts against Texas.

"Maybe you guys can figure it out because I haven't," Saunders said. "It seems like every time I come and pitch here, I don't have any command or they're sitting one way and I'm pitching right into their swings."

Nelson Cruz and David Murphy also went deep for Texas, which ended what had been one of the worst offensive months in team history with a season-high five home runs - four in 3 2-3 innings off Saunders. Elvis Andrus had four stolen bases, the first AL rookie since 1990 to do that.

"Obviously he doesn't feel comfortable. I don't know if it's the mound, a good offensive club," manager Mike Scioscia said. "He has trouble executing pitches as consistently as he can."

The Angels had their six-game winning streak snapped, but are still 1 1/2 games ahead of Texas.

Scott Feldman (6-2) made it through six innings even after throwing 57 pitches the first two innings while giving up a three-run lead. The right-hander retired 13 of the last 14 batters he faced, 11 in a row after Torii Hunter's RBI single tied it at 3 in the second.

"I wasn't sure how far he was going to be able to go after that," manager Ron Washington said. "He settled down and started pitching."

Cruz snapped a 2-for-27 slide with a go-ahead homer in the third. Murphy's fourth homer in six games came in the seventh and made it 9-3.

"Hopefully, this will create some momentum for us," Murphy said.

The Rangers entered the final game of June hitting a majors-low .221 for the month. They also blew the division lead that was once as high as 5 1/2 games by losing eight of 11 while the Angels won 13 of 16.

Saunders gave up four homers for the first time in his 80 career starts (40-20). He gave up three long balls and seven runs in 5 1-3 innings at Rangers Ballpark on May 15.