Arlington, TX - Kevin Millwood threw seven stellar innings to
propel the Texas Rangers to an 8-1 win over the Seattle Mariners in the opener
of a three-game series at Ameriquest Field.
Millwood (16-10) recorded the win, allowing one run on four hits with two
walks and four strikeouts.
Nelson Cruz hit a three-run homer and Gary Matthews Jr., who was named the
American League Player of the Week earlier in the day, extended his hitting
streak to a career-best 12 games with three hits and two runs scored for the
Rangers, who have won three straight games.
Richie Sexson and Adrian Beltre had a pair of hits each for the Mariners, who
have lost two of their last three games. Felix Hernandez (11-14), who has lost
five of his last six decisions, gave up four runs on seven hits while walking
two and striking out nine in five innings.
The Rangers drew first blood with a trio of runs in the third inning. Matthews
singled followed by a Michael Young double. Carlos Lee then doubled in both
runners before Hank Blalock roped a run-scoring two-bagger of his own.
Texas plated a run in the fifth and sixth innings to extend its lead to 5-0.
With runners on first and second and nobody out, Mark Teixeira grounded into a
fielder's choice and on the play Matthews scored on Yuniesky Betancourt's
fielding error.
Travis Chick replaced Hernandez to begin the sixth and Teixeira walked
with the bases loaded, plating Gerald Laird, who walked earlier in the frame.
Seattle finally got on the board in the seventh when Raul Ibanez doubled,
advanced to third on a Sexson base hit and scored on Betancourt's sac fly to
right.
The Rangers' offense continued to click in the home half of the inning as
Cruz launched a three-run homer off Eric O'Flaherty into the seats in left
for an 8-1 margin.
Game Notes
Seattle's Jarrod Washburn (8-14) pitches against Edinson Volquez (1-5) on
Tuesday.
Scott Feldman pitched for the first time since September 6 after
serving his six-game suspension for his part in the brawl between the Rangers
and Angels on August 16. He pitched the final two-thirds of an
inning.
Seattle's Kenji Johjima and Jose Lopez both had 10-game hitting
streaks come to an end.
© 2006 The Sports Network
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