Saturday, July 4, 2009
Texas Rangers 3, Tampa Bay Rays 1
Texas wins its third straight, reclaims first place.
Photo not provided by the Tampa Bay Rays
ARLINGTON — The Texas Rangers reclaimed first place Friday night, defeating the Tampa Bay Rays 3-1 at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. The win was the third straight for the Rangers, who at 43-35 now share first place in the AL West with the LA Angels.
Rangers rookie starter Tommy Hunter was brilliant in his second start of the season, shutting down one of baseball's most potent offenses for the win. Hunter surrendered just one run on three hits over five-plus innings, walking three and striking out five for his first career major league win.
Jason Jennings, C.J. Wilson and Frank Francisco pitched the remaining three and two-thirds innings perfectly, not allowing a single hit and stifling Tampa rallies before they began.
Most of Texas' offense came on a single swing of the bat, when Hank Blalock launched a two-run shot to deep right in the bottom of the fourth. It was Blalock's 17th home run this season, and second game-winning two-run blast this week.
Posted by Todd M.
