One day after clinching the American League West, the Texas Rangers used a makeshift lineup to rock Seattle ace Felix Hernandez and record a 7-3 victory over the visiting Mariners on Saturday.
Texas collected six runs and six hits in the fourth inning with seven straight runners reaching base against Hernandez, who left after Michael Young’s line drive hit his pitching arm. Hernandez (14-14) was diagnosed with a bruised forearm and gave up seven runs and 12 hits in 3 1/3 innings.
Esteban German and Andres Blanco each had three hits as Texas won for the 10th time in 12 games. Endy Chavez, David Murphy, Leonys Martin and Young all had two hits as the Rangers moved a game ahead of Detroit for the American League's second-best record. The Tigers lost to Baltimore on Saturday night.
The list of Rangers who didn’t play included outfielders Josh Hamilton and Nelson Cruz, second baseman Ian Kinsler, shortstop Elvis Andrus and third baseman Adrian Beltre.
German singled in the tying run in the six-run fourth and Chavez followed with a two-run single that gave Texas the lead for good.
Scott Feldman (2-1) allowed three runs in four innings of relief for the Rangers.
Seattle | Texas | |
Felix Hernandez | Player | Alexi Ogando |
Loss | W/L | No Decision |
3.1 | IP | 2.0 |
2 | Strikeouts | 2 |
12 | Hits | 0 |
13.50 | ERA | 0.00 |
Seattle | Texas | |
Alex Liddi | Player | Andres Blanco |
1 | Hits | 3 |
0 | RBI | 1 |
0 | HR | 0 |
1 | TB | 3 |
.500 | Avg | .750 |