Angels soaring

According to Torii Hunter, it was the second-best catch he’s ever made.

The Angels’ Gold Glove center fielder made a wall-climbing, homer-stealing catch in the ninth inning to help Los Angeles hold off the Kansas City Royals 4-3 on Sunday.

Hunter sprinted about 150 feet across left-center field, leaped in stride and went about a foot over the wall to snare Miguel Olivo’s potential game-tying drive for the first out of the ninth.

“It was a nice run after the ball and I felt like I had a chance,” said Hunter, who pumped his fist twice after making the catch that brought the crowd of 43,646 to its feet.

The Angels have won seven of their past eight games – and 10 out of 13 – and are a half game behind the first-place Texas Rangers in the American League West.

As for Hunter’s No. 1 catch: That came in the 2002 All-Star game, when he robbed Barry Bonds of a homer at Milwaukee.

Hamilton improving

Texas Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton played six innings, going 1 for 2 in a rehab appearance with Triple-A Oklahoma City.

Hamilton is on the disabled list with a strained muscle in his left rib cage area. He plans to be ready to play against Seattle on Tuesday night.

All-Star closer on DL

All-Star closer Joakim Soria was placed on the 15-day disabled list Sunday with a shoulder injury, and the Kansas City Royals recalled right-hander Luke Hochevar from Triple-A Omaha.

Red Sox call up Bard

The Boston Red Sox brought up one of their prized prospects, promoting right-hander Daniel Bard from Triple-A Pawtucket before their game against Tampa Bay . Bard followed up an outstanding year in Double-A with a fast start at Pawtucket, striking out 29 in 16 innings. In 16 appearances, Bard is 1-0 with a 1.13 ERA.