ARLINGTON -- The Rangers opened the battle for first place in the American League West with a 7-3 victory over the Mariners at Globe Life Park on Friday night. The Rangers have won 10 of 13 and are now one game ahead of the Mariners in the division.
Rangers third baseman Adrian Beltre, batting in the cleanup spot, was the first to get to Mariners starter Taijuan Walker, hitting a three-run home run in the first inning and a two-run double in the third. Hitting in front of Beltre, Jurickson Profar, Ian Desmond and Nomar Mazara were a combined 8-for-13 with two walks and six runs scored.
Walker allowed six runs in five innings and lost his sixth straight decision. The Mariners entered the game with a 19-8 record on the road but didn't arrive to their hotel until after 4:30 a.m., having to take a late flight from San Diego after their stunning 16-13 victory over the Padres. The Rangers were off on Thursday.
Yu Darvish earned his second win in two starts since his return from Tommy John elbow reconstruction surgery. He allowed three runs, struck out five and walked one over 5 2/3 innings.
MOMENTS THAT MATTERED
Beltre doubles past Pudge: Beltre's double in the third was No. 573 in his career, passing Ivan Rodriguez for 24th all-time. The five RBIs gave him 1,507 for his career, two more than Mickey Mantle for 53rd all-time.
The long climb back: Mariners third baseman Kyle Seager dug himself a big hole in the first month of the season, hitting just .139 through 21 games. But since that low point on April 29, Seager has been on fire. His RBI single in the sixth inning cut the Rangers' lead to 6-3 and his 2-for-4 night puts his average at .299 for the season. Seager had two of Seattle's six hits off Darvish and is now batting .400 (50-for-125) with six homers and 29 RBIs since April 30.
Greg Johns has covered the Mariners since 1997, and for MLB.com since 2011. Follow him on Twitter @GregJohnsMLB and listen to his podcast.
T.R. Sullivan has covered the Rangers since 1989, and for MLB.com since 2006. Follow him on Twitter @Sullivan_Ranger and listen to his podcast.
This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
0 commentaires:
Enregistrer un commentaire