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| Murphy, Rangers outslug Orioles TEXAS 11, BALTIMORE 10 |
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BALTIMORE (Ticker) -- David Murphy blasted a three-run homer to lead a balanced offense as the Texas Rangers outlasted the Baltimore Orioles, 11-10, on Sunday. All-Star Ian Kinsler had three hits and two runs scored to extend his hitting streak to 18 games for the Rangers, who had every member of the starting lineup either score or drive in a run. "It's always nice to come out on top in games like that," Kinsler said. "We had a couple this year where we've come out on the losing end and they are never fun. But today we got the win - and we ought to feel good about the road trip we just finished." The 11-run, 14-hit outburst extended the Rangers major league-lead runs total to 488. "In a 162-game season, sometimes you are going to get those games where you just have to hold on," Rangers manager Ron Washington said. "It doesn't matter how many runs you score, and today was just one of those days. I'm quite sure over there in that clubhouse (that) they are the ones that wished they had held on. So, I'm very happy we held on." Murphy's 11th homer of the season gave the Rangers a 6-3 lead in the top of the fourth and Texas led the rest of the way. After Baltimore closed within one run, Texas appeared to take control with a five-run eighth inning, extending its lead to 11-5. German Duran capped the inning with a two-run single. The Orioles made the game interesting as Nick Markakis blasted a three-run homer in the bottom of the eighth and Kevin Millar and Melvin Mora hit solo shots three batters apart to pull the Orioles within 11-10 in the bottom of the ninth. But Rangers closer C.J. Wilson then struck out Brian Roberts to end the game and secure his 21st save of the season. "I thought we were going to get one today," Orioles manager Dave Trembley said. "We kept coming back and coming back. Orioles starter Radhames Liz (3-1), who had won his previous two starts, was knocked around for six runs - four earned - and seven hits over 3 2/3 innings. The righthander walked a season-high five and struck out four, throwing 103 pitches. "I'm not going to be perfect," Liz said. "I made a lot of good pitches, but I walked five batters. I'll keep working for the next start." "For the most part, right out of the gate, Liz was struggling," Trembley added. "He got out of some tough jams early in the game and his pitch count was way up and he just didn't have it. That's the way the games goes." With the score tied at 2-2 in the bottom of the third, Roberts led off the inning with a solo home run to right, giving Baltimore a 3-2 lead. But the Rangers would answer in their next at-bat as Ramon Vazquez singled in Duran with one out in the fourth. Two batters later, Milton Bradley walked and Murphy blasted a three-run shot down the right field line to give Texas a three-run advantage. "To get a win like that today and to play a significant role in it felt really good," Murphy said. The Orioles closed the deficit to 6-5 in the bottom of the fifth as Ramon Hernandez and Luke Scott each plated a run, reaching on a fielder's choice. Rangers starter Kevin Millwood (6-4) earned the win despite giving up five runs - three earned - and nine hits in five innings. The contest came after four Texas players were named to the All-Star team, which set a club record for position players. Hamilton was named a starter in the outfield, while Kinsler, Bradley and Michael Young were chosen as reserves. "I'm very happy for all of them," Washington said. "They deserve it and it couldn't happen to a better bunch of guys." |
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