Angels 3, Rangers 0: Ryan Johnson and Relievers Combine on a One-Hitter

One hit in Arlington, and it came too late to matter

August 22, 2026 - Arlington - Ryan Johnson carried a no-hitter into the sixth for the second time this season, then handed a shutout to two relievers who finished what he started.

The Los Angeles Angels beat the Texas Rangers 3-0 on a combined one-hitter. Cody Freeman's leadoff single in the sixth was Texas's only hit. Johnson (3-7) threw a career-high seven innings, struck out three, walked two, and hit one batter. He had not won since July 19. On June 23 he threw 6 1/3 no-hit innings against Baltimore. Saturday was the sequel without the no-hitter sticker, and with a better ending for a 52-78 club that needed the zeroes.

Neto set the table. Trout cashed the first run.

Zach Neto went 3-for-5 with two doubles, a triple, and two runs scored, two nights after a 5-for-6, seven-RBI explosion in Houston. Mike Trout singled him home in the first. 1-0. That was enough for a long time.

Moisés Ballesteros doubled Trout home in the sixth. Vaughn Grissom singled Neto home in the eighth. Three runs. Ten hits. No home runs required. The Angels' 11th shutout of the season. Texas's 10th time being blanked, including twice in the last four games.

A DFW pitching matchup that only one side won

Johnson is from Red Oak, about 30 miles southeast of Arlington, and pitched at Dallas Baptist. Cody Bradford (0-2) is from Aledo, about 30 miles west of Globe Life Field, and pitched at Baylor. Local story, road result. Bradford allowed two runs on seven hits in 5 1/3 innings in his search for a first big-league win since September 2024 after missing last season with elbow surgery.

Jake Burger took a Johnson pitch off the wrist in the third, left after four innings with a contusion, and had negative X-rays. Day to day. Texas still could not manufacture a run with the one hit it did get. Michael Fulmer bridged the eighth. Rookie Ryan Watson closed the ninth for his second save.

The Angels have now beaten Texas eight times in 12 meetings this year. For a Rangers club still chasing an AL playoff spot, that ledger is a problem. For a visiting starter who grew up down the road, it was the night the zeroes finally stuck to a win.

AthX Engine graded the arm first, then the shortstop

AthX Engine put Johnson at 25 pitching fantasy points, second on the slate behind only Andrew Painter. Neto scored 11 hitting fantasy points. Los Angeles finished with 9 team fantasy points, tied with several clubs in the middle of the board because shutouts with three runs do not fill a team table the way a 12-3 does. Fantasy points measure the box. Price is a separate market number.

What's next

Yusei Kikuchi, back from shoulder inflammation, faces Cal Quantrill in the rubber game. Johnson's page stays loud after 25 pitching FP. Neto's page stays open after another multi-hit night. AthX Engine will keep both in view even when the team board is only middle of the pack.

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*Sources: ESPN recap, ESPN box score, MLB schedule, AthX Engine scoring. Information only; not financial advice.*