Davis' 40th HR only run in A's win over Rangers

(TSX / STATS) -- OAKLAND, Calif. -- Khris Davis hit his 40th home run of the season, Raul Alcantara threw five strong innings and the Oakland Athletics defeated the Texas Rangers 1-0 on Saturday night at the Oakland Coliseum.

The A's (71-83) won their season-high sixth straight game and beat the Rangers at the Coliseum for the seventh consecutive time.

Texas (76-78) fell 4 1/2 games behind the Minnesota Twins, 10-4 winners over Detroit, for the second wild-card spot in the American League. The Rangers, who have eight games remaining, are tied with Kansas City and the Los Angeles Angels in the wild-card race.

Davis became the second Athletic in franchise history to hit at least 40 home runs in back-to-back seasons, joining Jimmie Foxx (1932-34). Davis hit a career-high 42 home runs last season, his first with Oakland. With his solo shot in the second inning, Davis also set a career high for RBIs with 103, one more than he had last year.

Alcantara (1-1) made a spot start in place of lefty Sean Manaea, who was a late scratch because a strained upper back. Alcantra allowed no runs on two hits over five innings with five strikeouts and two walks. He lowered his ERA from 9.20 to 6.86.

Alcantara made a spot start at Detroit on Monday and blanked the Tigers for 3 2/3 innings on two hits in an 8-3 A's victory.

Ryan Dull, Daniel Coulombe, Chris Hatcher and Blake Treinen combined to blank Texas over the final four innings on two hits. Treinen pitched a scoreless ninth for his 11th save.

Rangers right-hander Miguel Gonzalez (8-12) allowed one run on four hits over six innings in his fourth start since being traded by the White Sox to Texas. He struck out five and walked none.

The Athletics took a 1-0 lead in the second inning when Davis led off with his 40th home run. Davis launched Gonzalez' first-pitch fastball over the right-center field wall.

After Davis' home run, the A's loaded the bases as Matt Olson and Ryon Healy singled and Matt Chapman was hit by a pitch. But Gonzalez retired the next three batters to escape further damage.

The Rangers had runners on first and second with two outs in the fifth after Robinson Chirinos singled and Alcantara walked Rougned Odor. But Alcantara retired Drew Robinson on a ground ball to end the threat.

NOTES: A's C Bruce Maxwell became the first major league baseball player to kneel during the national anthem as he joined a protest against racial injustice that former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick began last season. Maxwell is an African American who was born in Wiesbaden, Germany, when his father, Bruce, was stationed there with the Army during a tour of duty. Maxwell posted a strong response on Instagram opposing President Trump's recent criticism of NFL players who kneel during the anthem. A's OF Mark Canha placed a hand on Maxwell's shoulder during the anthem then hugged him when it ended. Maxwell missed his second straight game while undergoing concussion tests. ... Rangers manager Jeff Banister returned to Clear Lake, Texas, before Saturday's game to be with his mother, Verda, who is experiencing complications from recent surgery. Banister is expected to miss Sunday's series finale, too. Bench coach Steve Buechele filled in for Banister on Saturday in his first full game managing in the big leagues and will fill in again Sunday. "We'll just hold down the fort until he's back," Buchele said. ... A's INF/OF Chad Pinder (sore back/neck) was out of the lineup, one day after crashing into the right-center field wall in the sixth inning while trying to catch a deep fly ball.

Big inning helps Braves salvage DH split with Rangers

(TSX / STATS) -- ATLANTA -- No one was happier to see that five-run second inning go up on the Atlanta scoreboard than Braves' ace Julio Teheran.

The right-hander, who was only 2-9 at home, was staked to the early lead and made it stand up. Teheran, along with four Atlanta relievers, combined for a 5-4 win over the Texas Rangers in the nightcap of a doubleheader at SunTrust Park.

"We had the offense early in the game," Teheran said. "Always it's good to have that offense."

Texas won the first game Wednesday 12-8.

Freddie Freeman's two-run double highlighted the five-run second inning in the second game. Freeman was 1-for-4 in that game and finished 3-for-7 for the doubleheader as the Braves salvaged one game of the three-game interleague series.

Teheran (10-11) pitched five innings and allowed three runs on five hits and a season-high five walks. He struck out three.

"He was working really hard to get through that inning," Atlanta manager Brian Snitker said. "It's good to see him never give in."

Teheran said, "I know I was facing a really good team. Obviously, I don't want to give in or make a mistake. I think overall I was good. I had to battle. That's part of the game."

The Rangers closed the gap to 5-4 in the sixth when Will Middlebrooks led off with a pinch-hit triple off reliever A.J. Minter and scored on Cole Hamels' grounder to second base. Middlebrooks became the first player in major league history to record a pinch-hit triple in both games of a doubleheader.

"Our guys continued to stay engaged, continued to battle," Texas manager Jeff Banister said. "We just came up short. It's a challenge to sweep a doubleheader."

Texas was trying to sweep a day-night doubleheader for the first time in nine tries.

Atlanta's Sam Freeman pitched 1 1/3 innings of scoreless relief and Jose Ramirez got two outs in the eighth for his 25th hold. Arodys Vizcaino allowed two hits in the ninth but retired Joey Gallo on a flyout to end the game and pick up his 10th save.

Hamels (9-3) pitched six innings and allowed five runs, four earned, on six hits and two walks with five strikeouts. After allowing all five runs in the second inning, Hamels retired nine consecutive batters and gave up just one hit and one walk in his final four innings.

The Braves sent 10 batters to the plate and scored five times in the second inning. Dansby Swanson and Ender Inciarte both drove in a run with singles, Kurt Suzuki scored on a throwing error by Hamels, and Freeman launched a two-run double that almost left the park.

"It was a situation in the second inning where he kind of lost a little bit of command with the secondary stuff," Banister said. "He just couldn't find the range with the soft stuff."

Hamels said, "When I get two strikes for some reason I can't locate a pitch in a better area where I can at least get a punchout or a weak groundball or weak flyball. Get behind a guy and come all the way back and know what pitch will get the job done and I can't execute the pitch. That's the very frustrating part."

The Rangers cut the deficit to 5-2 in the third on Nomar Mazara's two-run homer, his 18th.

Texas added a run in the fifth when Carlos Gomez doubled to dead center field over the head of Inciarte, allowing Mazara to beat the relay to the plate.

In the first game of the twinbill, Elvis Andrus went 4-for-5 and hit his 20th home run to spark a team-best nine extra-base hits. Mike Napoli clubbed his 29th homer. Austin Bibens-Dirxx (5-2) earned the win with three scoreless innings of relief.

Atlanta rookie Luiz Gohara (0-1) lasted four innings and allowed six runs in his major league debut. Inciarte went 4-for-5 and hit his 11th homer, and Matt Kemp hit his 17th home run.

Both teams have completed interleague play. The Rangers finished 15-5 against the National League. The Braves finished 9-11 against the American League.

NOTES: Texas C Robinson Chirinos doubled in his first at-bat of the second game and extended his on-base streak to 22 games. ... Atlanta C Kurt Suzuki was hit by a pitch for the 11th time, second on the club behind fellow C Tyler Flowers with 18. Texas CF Carlos Gomez was hit by a pitch for the 19th time, matching his career high. ... Texas RF Nomar Mazara left the second game in the sixth inning with tightness in his left quad. Mazara seemed to struggle while scoring on a double in the fifth inning. ... Texas LF Delino DeShields was hitless in the nightcap and saw his streak of reaching base in consecutive games end at 19. ... Atlanta begins a four-game series with Miami on Thursday. ... Texas returns home to start a three-game series with the New York Yankees on Friday.

Andrus, Rangers power past Braves

(TSX / STATS) -- ATLANTA -- Shortstop Elvis Andrus was 4-for-5 with a home run and the Texas Rangers produced a season-high nine extra-base hits in a 12-8 win over the Atlanta Braves in the first game of a day-night doubleheader at SunTrust Park.

Andrus hit his 20th homer, added a double and drove in three runs. First baseman Mike Napoli hit his 29th homer and the Rangers won their third straight game.

Texas took the lead with a four-run rally in the fourth. An opposite-field RBI double by Brett Nicholas and a two-run triple by pinch hitter Will Middlebrooks, who then scored on a wild pitch, gave the Rangers a 6-4 lead.

The Rangers added three runs in the fifth to go ahead 9-4 on a two-run homer from Napoli and an RBI single from Nicholas.

Texas put it away with two more runs in the sixth. Shin-Soo Choo doubled home Delino DeShields and scored on a sacrifice fly by Carlos Gomez.

Texas starter Miguel Gonzalez lasted only three innings in his debut with the team. He allowed four runs on four hits, two of them home runs, and left the game trailing 4-2.

Reliever Austin Bibens-Dirkx (5-2) picked up the slack by throwing three scoreless innings of relief while the Rangers tallied nine runs over three innings to put the game away. Bibens-Dirkx gave up five hits, all singles, and struck out two.

Atlanta's Luiz Gohara (0-1) gave up six runs in four innings in his major league debut. The left-hander allowed four hits and walked four, with six strikeouts.

Atlanta's 15-hit attack was led by center fielder Ender Inciarte, who went 3-for-5 with a homer, his 11th, and two RBIs. Matt Kemp added a two-run homer, his 17th.

NOTES: Atlanta activated LHP Luiz Gohara on Tuesday and he became the fourth rookie pitcher used by the club this season. He is the 11th starting pitcher used by the Braves. Gohara is the fifth Brazilian to play in the major leagues. ... The doubleheader marked the first time Texas has played two games on the same day since May 27, 2013 at Arizona. That was the longest existing span without a doubleheader among major league teams. ... Texas RHP Miguel Gonzalez walked in his first plate appearance. It was his first career base on balls. He came around to score his first career run. ... Texas LF Delino DeShields doubled in the sixth to extend his streak of reaching base in consecutive games to 19. ... Texas C A.J. Jimenez made his major league debut as a pinch hitter in the seventh inning and hit into a double play.

Rangers inch closer to contention with win over Angels

(TSX / STATS) -- ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Texas Rangers manager Jeff Banister has some recommended viewing for left-handed pitcher Martin Perez when the team continues its road trip this weekend in Oakland.

Perez threw seven shutout innings Thursday night to help the Rangers move within a game of the second American League wild-card spot with a 3-0 victory against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium.

"When (Perez) looks back and watches video of his starts, he needs to look at this one and really pay attention to what he did," Banister said.

Drew Robinson and Mike Napoli homered in support of Perez, a left-hander who came in with a 5.26 ERA in 24 starts this season. Perez (9-10) allowed seven hits, struck out three and did not walk a batter while throwing 73 of 99 pitches for strikes.

"They're an aggressive team, and I know that I have to throw the ball down because they're going to swing," Perez said. "When I stay down and I throw a lot of pitches for strikes, I get good outings."

The Angels remain a half-game behind the Minnesota Twins for the second AL wild card, tied with the Kansas City Royals and the Seattle Mariners.

"Definitely playoff baseball," Robinson said. "It makes it a lot more fun too, especially when you can come in and get three wins (in the four-game series), so it's big for us and hopefully we can build on it."

After the Angels pressured Perez early in the game, he retired 10 in a row and 12 of 13 during the middle innings.

"We just had some points in the game where we didn't square the ball up," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said. "Give Perez some credit, he made some pitches when he had to."

The first two batters reached base in the eighth off reliever Jason Grilli, who escaped the jam, and the Angels finished 0-for-11 with runners in scoring position.

"We had two guys on and had some guys we wanted up there," Scioscia said of the eighth inning. "(Grilli) made some pitches. Sometimes you have to tip your cap."

Ricky Rodriguez pitched a 1-2-3 ninth for his first career save.

Capturing the series against a wild-card rival was "huge" for the Rangers, according to Banister.

"Especially against a team that's in front of us," he said. "To come in their ballpark, get three out of four. ... We've had our struggles on the road."

Angels right-hander Troy Scribner, called up from Triple-A Salt Lake for the start, took the loss. The 26-year-old right-hander replaced JC Ramirez, the team leader with 11 wins who experienced pain in his right elbow following his start Saturday against the Baltimore Orioles.

Scribner (2-1) surrendered the two home runs that provided the Rangers a 3-0 lead. He went five innings, allowing three runs on three hits, striking out six and walking two.

"Even though there weren't many hits, he lost a lot of counts," Scioscia said.

Brett Nicholas doubled just inside the right field line with one out in the third for Texas' first hit. Robinson, hitting in the No. 9 spot, then lifted an 0-1 pitch deep into the seats in right-center for a 2-0 lead, his fourth home run of the season.

Napoli followed with a solo home run with one out in the fourth. It was his 27th home run of the season and 13th at Angel Stadium since he was traded by Los Angeles following the 2010 season.

NOTES: The Rangers moved RHP Tyson Ross to the bullpen. Ross (3-3, 7.04 ERA) made his most recent start in a 10-1 loss to the Angels on Tuesday, giving up three runs and seven hits in 3 2/3 innings, the seventh consecutive outing he failed to last at least six innings. ... RHP Nick Martinez is expected to start in Ross' place at Oakland on Friday. Martinez (3-4, 5.38 ERA) last pitched for the Rangers on Aug. 6, allowing five runs and five hits in four innings of 6-5 loss to the Minnesota Twins. ... Los Angeles RHP Troy Scribner and Ross each have a brother who plays in the major leagues, two of five sets of brothers who have played in the big leagues this season. ... The Angels start a three-game series with the visiting Houston Astros on Friday.

Beltre delivers in Rangers' 10-inning win over Angels

(TSX / STATS) -- ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Adrian Beltre has more than 3,000 hits and is approaching 500 home runs in his career. Those are numbers that can get a player into the Hall of Fame.

But sometimes it is the little things that make a player great.

Beltre padded his resume with two more home runs in his first two at-bats Wednesday, but his ground ball in the 10th inning was just as instrumental in helping the Texas Rangers to a 7-5 victory over the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium.

Besides the two home runs, Beltre also had a sixth-inning single. Then in the 10th inning with the score tied at 4, Beltre stepped into the batter's box against Angels reliever Eduardo Paredes with Elvis Andrus on second and no outs.

After falling behind in the count at 1-2, Beltre hit a ground ball to second base, moving Andrus to third with one out.

The Rangers' other bats took it from there.

After walks to Nomar Mazara (intentional) and Mike Napoli loaded the bases, Rougned Odor broke the tie with a sacrifice fly. Robinson Chirinos and Drew Robinson followed with consecutive RBI singles to give Texas a 7-4 lead and ultimately its second win in the first three contests of the four-game series.

"Definitely," Beltre said when asked if he took as much pride in his 10th-inning at-bat as his home runs. "Obviously home runs are great, but in that at-bat, I wasn't thinking about a hit; I was trying to get the guy over. I knew with Mazara and Napoli behind me, two RBI guys, the situation we were in, I just needed to be sure that (Andrus) gets to third base."

Rangers manager Jeff Banister agreed.

"To move Elvis over ... it's huge to get a guy 90 feet away from scoring, big at-bat," Banister said. "But look, you want to talk about this game, big players come through in big moments, and Beltre came through. There are no little moments in games like this."

The Rangers (63-63) likely would have won the game in nine innings if it weren't for Angels center fielder Mike Trout's throw in the top of the ninth. Texas had two on and two outs when Shin-Soo Choo singled to center off Bud Norris.

Chirinos, who homered in the third inning, tried to score from second, but Trout fielded the ball cleanly and fired a perfect throw on the fly to catcher Martin Maldonado, who applied the tag. The Rangers challenged the call; but, after a video review, the play was upheld and the Angels were out of the inning.

"Mike put a throw right where it had to be," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said. "It's not easy from center field. He charged the ball well, got rid of it and just threw a BB right on the money. That's a huge play at the time."

The win moved Texas within two games of the Minnesota Twins for the American League's second wild card. The Angels (65-62) fell a half-game behind Minnesota.

Rangers left-hander Alex Claudio (3-1) retired all six batters he faced in the eighth and ninth innings to earn the win over Paredes (0-1).

The bottom of the 10th inning didn't go quite as smoothly for the Rangers. Jose Leclerc walked Cameron Maybin and Trout to start the ending, getting the hook from Banister.

Tony Barnette replaced Leclerc and got Albert Pujols to hit into a double play. Kole Calhoun followed with an RBI single, but Barnette retired Andrelton Simmons on a fly ball for his first save of the season.

Angels starter Andrew Heaney, making his second start since returning from Tommy John surgery, gave up four runs on eight hits, three of the runs coming in on solo homers.

"The ball was coming out of his hand really well tonight," Scioscia said. "As the game went on, he missed some balls over the heart of the plate, and those guys didn't miss them. It's definitely a step forward from where he was in Baltimore (in his last start)."

Rangers starter Andrew Cashner entered the game pitching well. He had not allowed more than three runs in any of his previous seven starts, going back to June 29.

However, he allowed a three-run homer by Luis Valbuena in the fourth inning and then Valbuena's RBI single in the sixth. In all, Cashner gave up four runs on seven hits and one walk in six innings.

NOTES: Angels RHP Troy Scribner will be called up from Triple-A Salt Lake on Thursday and make the start against the Rangers, replacing RHP JC Ramirez (elbow). ... LHP Martin Perez will start Thursday for Texas. ... Angels 3B Yunel Escobar, out since Aug. 6 with a strained oblique muscle, took part in baseball activities and did agility drills before the game. Barring any setbacks, Escobar could begin a rehab assignment in a few days and return to the big league roster around Sept. 1. ... Rangers 3B Joey Gallo, placed on the seven-day concussion disabled list Tuesday, joined the Rangers in Anaheim and took part in a light workout. Gallo, who leads the club with 35 home runs, also sustained a non-displaced nasal fracture Sunday in a collision with RHP Matt Bush as the two chased a pop fly. Gallo, though, said he hopes to rejoin the active roster when he is eligible Tuesday.

Pujols passes Sosa on HR list as Angels top Rangers

(TSX / STATS) -- Albert Pujols hit his 610th career home run to become the all-time leader among foreign-born players, and the Los Angeles Angels remained a half-game out of the second American League wild-card spot with a 10-1 win over the Texas Rangers on Tuesday at Angel Stadium.

Pujols hit a three-run homer in the seventh inning off reliever Nick Gardewine to surpass Sammy Sosa for eighth on the all-time homer list. The Angels slugger is now two behind seventh-place Jim Thome. His 19th home run of the season gave the Angels a 10-1 lead en route to their 10th win in the past 13 games.

"He passes great names every time he hits a home run," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said. "But I think Albert is more concerned about the win."

Rookie second baseman Kaleb Cowart also slammed a three-run homer for Los Angeles, and reliever Keynan Middleton (5-1) tossed 1 1/3 scoreless innings to earn the win.

"Every day my name's is the lineup, I try and go out and do my job the best of my abilities," Cowart told Fox Sports West.

Los Angeles trails the Twins for the second AL wild-card berth. Minnesota beat the Chicago White Sox 4-1 earlier in the evening for its 13th victory in the past 17 games.

Cowart hit his three-run homer in the fifth inning to give the Angels a 6-1 lead. Kole Calhoun collected three of Los Angeles' season-high 16 hits and drove in two runs.

"We've got to go day by day, we can't just build on one win or one loss," Calhoun told Fox Sports West. "It's not a sprint. There's still a lot of games left."

Texas starter Tyson Ross (3-3) gave up three hits and a walk in a 29-pitch first inning. Pujols drove in the lone run of the inning when he doubled high off the wall in right-center field to score Mike Trout. However, Ross managed to strand the bases loaded after deflecting a comebacker to shortstop Elvis Andrus for the final out.

A two-run double by Calhoun with two outs in the fourth inning drove in Cowart and Trout to give the Angels a 3-0 lead. It also ended the night for Ross, who allowed three runs and seven hits in 3 2/3 innings.

"There were some encouraging signs. However, with the high pitch count, it makes it very challenging to get any length," Texas manager Jeff Banister told Fox Sports Southwest. "We've got to make sure we get with him and see if we can't shorten that up."

The Rangers had nine hits in the game, but they finished 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position and stranded 10.

"When offense gets tough for us, we're incapable of coming up with that big hit," Banister said.

Cowart began the fourth inning with a single up the middle, and Trout singled with one out. Pujols popped up in front of the pitcher's mound, but catcher Robinson Chirinos was unable to make the catch just as the umpires signaled the infield-fly rule. Cowart and Trout moved up to second and third on the misplay, and Calhoun followed with his double.

Angels starter Ricky Nolasco blanked the Rangers until Delino DeShields surprised Trout by tagging up from third on a shallow fly to center with one out in the fifth. DeShields beat Trout's throw home to cut the deficit to 3-1.

Angels manager Mike Scioscia removed Nolasco after a walk to Adrian Beltre with two outs in the fifth, preventing the right-hander from improving to 3-0 this month.

Nolasco yielded one run on five hits and three walks in 4 2/3 innings. He struck out six.

"At some point you have to make a decision," Scioscia said of removing Nolasco. "That was tough one, but I definitely think it was the right one. ... He was tired."

Cowart hit a three-run homer in the fifth to give the Angels a 6-1 lead. C.J. Cron had doubled with one out and moved to third on a single by Martin Maldonado. Cowart then lifted his third home run of the season over the right field fence off Texas reliever Austin Bibens-Dirkx.

The Rangers played their second straight game without third baseman Joey Gallo, who was placed on the seven-day concussion list. Gallo, who leads the Rangers with 35 home runs, collided with reliever Matt Bush as they pursued an infield pop fly against the Chicago White Sox on Sunday.

NOTES: Angels LF Cameron Maybin pinch-hit for Ben Revere in the fifth inning after Revere fouled a pitch off his left knee in the fourth. ... Texas RHP Nick Gardewine made his major league debut, giving up three unearned runs, all on Albert Pujols' homer, in two-thirds of an inning. ... The Angels were 53-73 after 126 games last season. ... The Rangers recalled INF Phil Gosselin from Triple-A Round Rock on Tuesday. He made his debut with Texas on Sunday, grounding out to third in his only at-bat, then was sent down Monday. He played in 122 games for the Arizona Diamondbacks last season, batting .277.

Delmonico's 2 HRs power White Sox past Rangers

(TSX / STATS) -- ARLINGTON, Texas -- The Chicago White Sox are going nowhere in 2017, but they showed Friday night that the future is bright.

Hot-hitting rookie Nicky Delmonico hit two homers and drove in three as the White Sox snapped a five-game losing streak with a 4-3 victory over Texas.

Delmonico's inside-the-park homer in the eighth inning snapped a 3-3 tie and helped make a winner out of Gregory Infante and set up Juan Minaya for a save. The win was the first in the majors for Infante (1-1) and the save was the first in Minaya's career.

Delmonico's heroics also helped end a four-game winning streak for the Rangers.

Delmonico opened the eighth by lining a Ricky Rodriguez (0-1) pitch deep to right. Texas right fielder Nomar Mazara crashed into the wall and stayed down, allowing Delmonico to scoot home with the first inside-the-park homer for a Chicago player since Brett Lawrie on June 26, 2016.

It also capped a night in which he went 2-for-3 with three RBIs. He now has five homers in his first 15 games and has reached base safely in 14 of those. He already has two two-homer games, but the inside-the-parker goes to the top of the list.

"I felt like I ran out of gas right before third, but luckily I was able to score," said Delmonico, who now has four homers in his last 11 plate appearances. "I thought maybe there was a chance to get out, but luckily I beat it. In Triple-A this year I hit one. This is pretty special."

Special is the best way to describe the start for Delmonico's career.

"He's going to have an opportunity to do very well," Chicago manager Rick Renteria said. "His composure, his approach, his demeanor is a big part of that. I think he's a baseball player. He's been around the block, grinding out, trying to get here. I think he appreciates the opportunity he's getting. He just goes out and plays the game."

The Rangers caught a break on the homer, too. Mazara stayed down and was looked at by the team trainers after hyperextending his left knee. He remained in the game and was examined by team doctor Keith Meister after, with no structural damage found.

""I'm okay," said Mazara, who extended his hitting streak to six by going 1-for-2 with two walks. "When I jumped and got down my leg locked a little bit and I felt something I've never felt before. And then when I got up I got scared. Thank God everything's fine. I knew right away it was my knee, the outside part. I didn't want to get up because it was hurting at the time. Then I sat down and it was kind of calming down."

Infante retired all five batters he faced, striking out one. Minaya worked around a leadoff walk in the ninth to preserve the win.

The White Sox took an early 1-0 lead off Texas starter Andrew Cashner when Leury Garcia scored on an error. Chicago starter James Shields made that run stand up until Mike Napoli hit a two-run homer into the Texas bullpen in the fourth inning.

The White Sox regained the lead in the sixth when Delmonico ripped a Cashner pitch to right for a two-run homer to put Chicago up 3-2.

Texas tied the score in the bottom of the seventh on a Delino DeShields grounder. Shields was charged with two runs and five hits in 5 1/3 innings.

Cashner had his streak of quality starts end at six, allowing three runs (two earned) in 5 2/3 innings.

"I felt all right, not my best, but I found a way to grind through and give us a chance to win," Cashner said. "Everything I've been through in my career I kind of have an idea of what I need to do to get through a game without having my best stuff. My sinker was kind of hit and me. Changeup was decent and my curveball was all right. It was more working both sides of the plate with a fastball and keeping them off balance."

Tim Anderson had three of the nine Chicago hits and Jose Abreu went 2-for-5.

NOTES: Chicago will recall RHP Lucas Giolito from Triple-A Charlotte on Monday to start one of the doubleheader games against Minnesota. He is 6-10 with a 4.48 ERA for Charlotte. ... Chicago OF Avisail Garcia was out of the lineup again because of sore left wrist. He could play Saturday. ... Texas 3B Adrian Beltre moved into a tie for 27th on the career hit list with his single in the sixth inning. He's tied with Rafael Palmeiro with 3,020 hits.

Red-hot Rangers host weary White Sox

Stats, LLC

(TSX / STATS) -- ARLINGTON, Texas -- Considering the Chicago White Sox just finished getting swept by the Los Angeles Dodgers, the best team in baseball, a four-game set against the Texas Rangers starting Thursday will represent a reprieve.

Right? Maybe not.

The Rangers are one of the hottest teams in the American League, winners of six of their past seven games.

In a three-game sweep of the Tigers, Texas swamped Detroit with 28 runs on 39 hits and 55 baserunners, including 25 baserunners in a 12-6 victory Wednesday.

Welcome to Texas, Chicago.

The White Sox's Reynaldo Lopez (0-0, 3.00 ERA) will meet fellow right-hander Tyson Ross (3-2, 7.11) in the series opener.

"It'd be tough to point to just one thing," Texas manager Jeff Banister said of the key to the team's hot streak. "It's been the number of baserunners we continue to have. The double-digit baserunners have allowed us to do some things that we're used to doing: run the bases, steal bases, create, and obviously the home run shows up for us in certain situations.

"But I think it's the combination of all things. The defense we've played, the pitching we've gotten, and the offense has really showed up for us."

The Rangers (59-60) are back within a game of .500 and two games behind the second American League wild-card position with 43 games to play. Texas is trying to extend a three-game winning streak while keeping their longshot playoff hopes alive.

The White Sox (45-72) are 4-10 in August, and they have lost four straight.

"We got to put this behind us as quickly as possible because tomorrow is a new day," Chicago manager Rick Renteria said after his team blew a ninth-inning lead to fall 5-4 at Dodger Stadium on Wednesday.

Lopez, 23, will be making his second start of the season. He allowed two runs and struck out six over six innings in his season debut, a no-decision against the Kansas City Royals on Friday. Thursday will mark his first career start against Texas.

Ross comes in following a victory in his most recent start. The 30-year-old allowed three runs in 5 2/3 innings in an 8-3 victory over the Houston Astros on Saturday. Ross has worked fewer than six innings in seven of his eight starts this year.

He is 3-0 with a 2.95 ERA in three career starts and one relief appearance against Chicago.

The White Sox showed some pop with four homers in the finale against the Dodgers, including two from rookie Nicky Delmonico. Leury Garcia hit the first pitch of the game out of the park, just as teammate Tim Anderson did the day before. That marked the first time in franchise history the White Sox homered in consecutive games on the first pitch.

"We lost a (tough) game in the ninth," Garcia said. "We're still working and playing hard."

Anderson has five home runs, four doubles, a triple and 11 RBIs in his past 13 games.

Fatigue might be an issue for Chicago, which wasn't expected to get into Texas until early Thursday morning after playing the Dodgers late on the West Coast.

Nomar Mazara, Elvis Andrus and Joey Gallo are all going well for the Rangers -- and all three homered Wednesday, as did Adrian Beltre.

Mazara has three three-hit games in his past seven outings, and he is batting .481 during that span. The 22-year-old has 20 RBIs in his past 18 games.

Andrus' career year now includes a torrid stretch in which he is hitting .359 with 11 doubles, five home runs and 14 RBIs over his past 24 games.

Gallo, who is tied for second in the AL with 35 homers, has 10 long balls in August and 14 since the All-Star break.

"I think everybody's doing their job, we're having really good at-bats, nobody's taking anything for granted, and no matter if it's two outs, we still believe we can have a rally and score runs," Andrus said. "That's our DNA that we need to keep the rest of the season, and hopefully the beginning of something good."

The series will also feature a notable homecoming.

White Sox lefty Derek Holland, who pitched eight seasons and on two World Series teams with the Rangers, returns to face his former team Saturday.

Andrus, Mazara carry Rangers to sweep of Tigers

(TSX / STATS) -- ARLINGTON, Texas -- The Texas Rangers have at least put themselves back in the conversation for an American League wild-card spot with a simple baseball recipe.

Good pitching, good defense and timely hitting after flooding the field with baserunners.

That was how they finished off a three-game sweep of the Detroit Tigers in a 12-6 victory on Wednesday night.

Texas (59-60) moved within a game of .500 and two games back of the second wild-card playoff berth with 43 games to play.

Elvis Andrus had a home run and four RBIs, and Nomar Mazara added a homer and three RBIs. Andrus' 16th home run of the season in the fifth inning produced the go-ahead run, and his two-run single through a drawn-in infield was the key hit in Texas' four-run sixth.

The Rangers shortstop was 3-for-5 with a walk, a stolen base and three runs. He drove in his fourth run with a base hit in the seventh.

Mazara, the Texas right fielder who has 20 RBIs in his past 18 games, was 3-for-5. He hit a two-run homer off Tigers starter Anibal Sanchez in the second and an RBI single in the sixth for the Rangers, who have won six of seven.

In the sweep, Texas scored 28 runs on 39 hits and 55 baserunners, including 25 on Wednesday.

Rangers left-hander Cole Hamels (8-1) improved to 6-0 this season at home, giving up four runs, eight hits and five walks in six innings. He struck out two and yielded two home runs, including a leadoff homer to Detroit second baseman Ian Kinsler, who quickly ended Hamels' consecutive scoreless inning streak at 11.

"It'd be tough to point to just one thing," Banister said of the key to the team's good run. "It's been the number of baserunners we continue to have. The double-digit baserunners have allowed us to do some things that we're used to doing: run the bases, steal bases, create, and obviously the home run shows up for us in certain situations.

"It's been the pitching. Cole didn't have his best stuff tonight, but he battled through tonight. But I think it's the combination of all things. The defense we've played, the pitching we've gotten and the offense has really showed up for us."

Hamels is 16-2 in his career at Globe Life Park in Arlington.

Detroit left-handed reliever Chad Bell (0-1), who gave up the homer to Andrus, took the loss. Bell allowed the one run, three hits and three walks in 2 1/3 innings.

The Tigers used eight pitchers, and they issued seven walks and surrendered 17 hits.

Detroit (53-67) has lost 10 of its past 12 and is 14 games below .500 heading into a home series against the Los Angeles Dodgers that starts Friday. The Tigers fell to 24-39 on the road, the third-worst road record in the American League.

"Pretty plain and simple, it didn't go well," Detroit manager Brad Ausmus said. "Didn't pitch well. Home runs and walks are not a good combination. We're giving up too many of both."

Adrian Beltre had a two-run homer in the third on an 0-2 pitch from Sanchez to tie the game at 4-all -- the 458th of his career, one back of Detroit's Miguel Cabrera for 37th all-time -- and Joey Gallo hit his 35th for Texas. Shin-Soo Choo also had an RBI.

"I think everybody's doing their job, we're having really good at-bats, nobody's taking anything for granted, and no matter if it's two outs, we still believe we can have a rally and score runs," Andrus said. "That's our DNA that we need to keep the rest of the season, and hopefully the beginning of something good."

Hamels wasn't his sharpest, allowing baserunners in every inning except the fourth.

With the score tied in the fifth, Hamels worked out of a bases-loaded jam with one out, striking out John Hicks and inducing a popout from Nicholas Castellanos. Texas second baseman Rougned Odor sprinted out to short right field to make a nice over-the-shoulder catch.

Detroit center fielder Mikie Mahtook had a two-run homer in the third. Mahtook is hitting .342 with five home runs and 14 RBIs since the All-Star break. Kinsler's leadoff home run was the 46th of his career, tied for fourth all time with Jimmy Rollins.

Cabrera was 2-for-2 with a double and two walks, one an intentional pass by Hamels in the fifth.

Sanchez left the game in the third inning with left hamstring tightness. He gave up four runs and five hits, including two home runs, and a walk in 2 1/3 innings.

Texas' four-run sixth typified Detroit's recent struggles. The Tigers were plagued by two errors and a hit by pitch in the inning.

Reliever Joe Jimenez's line was three runs (two earned), one hit and a hit batter in one-third of an inning.

"It was a rough one," Kinsler said. "It was a rough series for us. Offensively we continued to try to battle to get back in, but it just wasn't happening, and every time we scored, they had an answer. They played three good games."

NOTES: Detroit's Ian Kinsler and umpire Angel Hernandez shook hands as the second baseman took his position. Kinsler, who was ejected from Monday's game by Hernandez, lashed out at the umpire on Tuesday, saying, among other things, that "he needs to find another job." ... Texas officials were more specific with what has kept OF Carlos Gomez out of the lineup. Gomez had an infected cyst removed from his back. He was out of the lineup a third straight game, but he was available. ... Texas LHP Jake Diekman, out all season after three surgeries on his colon, will begin a rehab assignment with Double-A Frisco on Thursday. He is slated to throw 15 pitches.

Gallo on a roll as Rangers host Tigers

Stats, LLC

(TSX / STATS) -- ARLINGTON, Texas -- The Tigers and Rangers conclude a three-game series Wednesday with 33-year-old pitchers -- Detroit right-hander Anibal Sanchez and Texas lefty Cole Hamels -- facing off in the rubber match.

However, it is the rise of a 23-year-old Ranger that is garnering attention since the All-Star break. Joey Gallo appears to be figuring out some things, namely the strike zone, at the major league level.

A .194 hitter before the All-Star break, Gallo has hit .250 since while contributing 13 homers and 23 RBIs. He has nine homers in his past 13 games and 12 walks since the break.

Gallo hit his 34th home run Tuesday off Justin Verlander in the Rangers' 10-4 win, and like many of the others, the ball didn't linger, going out at 108 mph. Fourteen of his home runs have had an exit velocity of 110 mph or higher.

Gallo is third in the American League in home runs behind New York's Aaron Judge (36) and Kansas City's Mike Moustakas (35).

"It's really significant," Texas manager Jeff Banister said. "It's a recognition of what he needs to do in the batter's box and the ability to put the ball in play. You still see pitchers trying to make adjustments to him.

"He is walking and not chasing, hitting the ball in the middle of the field and not the over-the-top pull. For him to continue that process, it's huge for his confidence. He has become a better hitter, not just a slugger."

Gallo, though, could also become the third player in major league history to have more home runs than singles in a season. Mark McGwire did it five times and Barry Bonds once. Gallo has 21 singles.

But that is OK with him.

"You look at just the way the field's shaped for me," Gallo said. "I hit a line drive to the right side, I'm out. If I hit a ground ball to the right side, I'm out. As long as I'm putting together good at-bats or drawing walks, then for me, that's what's important, getting on-base and doing damage when I can and playing good defense."

Gallo will take his licks Wednesday against Sanchez (3-3, 6.69 ERA). Sanchez is 1-3 with an 8.84 ERA in his past four starts, and he is trying to stop a two-game losing streak. He certainly would appear vulnerable against a guy like Gallo, having allowed 11 home runs in his past six starts since yielding one in his first four.

Sanchez is 2-4 with a 7.84 ERA in seven career appearances (six starts) against Texas. In Arlington, he is 1-3 with a 13.79 ERA in four starts. He worked 2 1/3 scoreless innings of relief against Texas in May.

Detroit starters are in a rut, having given up homers in 10 of their last 11 games. The rotation has a 7.94 ERA during that stretch, and that includes a Verlander outing in which he didn't give up a run over eight innings.

"The pitching has been bad overall ... giving up home runs, walking too many guys," Tigers manager Brad Ausmus said. "Pitching and defense wins games, but bad pitching is instrumental in losing games. We just haven't pitched well."

"We just have to play better. It's as simple as that. We've got to pitch better, hit better, manage better, coach better."

Meanwhile, Hamels (7-1, 3.31) is vying to win a third consecutive start. He is on a good run, going 3-0 with a 2.25 ERA in his past four starts, and he hasn't allowed an earned run in his past 18 innings.

In his career against the Tigers, Hamels is 3-2 with a 3.27 ERA in five starts. He hasn't faced them this year.

The Rangers have won five of six, including two straight over Detroit. The Tigers have lost nine of their past 11.

Rangers' Griffin turns tables on Tigers, Verlander

(TSX / STATS) -- ARLINGTON, Texas -- The last time A.J. Griffin faced Justin Verlander, the Texas Rangers right-hander left early with a bruised ERA.

On Tuesday, however, it was Griffin and the Rangers who connected with a haymaker.

Griffin was effective over five innings, Joey Gallo and Mike Napoli hit back-to-back home runs off Verlander in the fourth inning, and Texas used a pair of four-run frames to roll past the Detroit Tigers 10-4.

Texas has won five of its past six games while Detroit has dropped nine of its past 11.

Gallo's two-run homer in the Rangers' four-run fourth was his 34th of the season -- third in the American League to New York's Aaron Judge (36) and Kansas City's Mike Moustakas (35).

Napoli was 2-for-4 with three RBIs, including a two-run single in the Rangers' four-run eighth.

Robinson Chirinos smacked his career-high 14th home run to make it 1-1 in the third, Nomar Mazara had an RBI single in the fourth, and Adrian Beltre hit a run-scoring double in the eighth.

Shin-Soo Choo accounted for the Rangers' 10th run with an eighth-inning base hit.

"I think it's a big boost for our guys," Texas manager Jeff Banister said. "Great approach tonight. We continued to make (Verlander) work, hunting pitches up in the zone that they can put the barrel on. To be able to beat Verlander after the way he's been pitching I think is a huge boost for this ballclub."

Verlander (8-8), seeking his fourth consecutive victory, took the loss, allowing five runs on eight hits and no walks in six innings. He struck out eight. Verlander entered with a streak of seven consecutive starts allowing three or fewer runs.

The Rangers sent seven men to the plate in the fourth, making Verlander throw 31 pitches. The right-hander admitted that took a toll on him on a hot summer night.

"One bad inning. Down here, long innings are what gets you," Verlander said. "You have to focus a little more, honestly. I threw a pitch to a guy (Gallo) who runs into stuff. That's what he does. Not taking anything away from him. He's got ridiculous pop, but if he gets ahold of it, it's probably going to be a homer. And then I made a mistake to Napoli, and that's the ballgame."

Detroit starters are in a rut, having given up homers in 10 of the past 11 games. The rotation has a 7.94 ERA during that stretch, and that includes Verlander's previous start in which he threw eight shutout innings against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Every hitter in Texas' lineup registered a hit except Rougned Odor, who had two walks and would have stolen home in the seventh had Tigers left-handed reliever Daniel Stumpf not committed a balk.

Griffin (6-3), who gave up nine runs over 3 1/3 innings in a start against Detroit in May and had a 10.88 ERA in five career starts against the Tigers, earned the victory. The right-hander, making his third start since coming off the disabled list Aug. 2, gave up one run on five hits and two walks while striking out four.

"It's huge any time you go out there and help your ball team get a win," Griffin said. "It didn't go as well the last time I pitched head-to-head against (Verlander).

"We've got a great lineup, and you just keep this team in the game and good things happen."

Shortstop Jose Iglesias drove in two runs for the Tigers, who cut a four-run deficit to two in the seventh off Texas right-handed reliever Tony Barnette. Alex Presley and Iglesias had the RBIs in the inning for Detroit. Victor Martinez, who was 2-for-3, connected on a solo home run in the ninth off Rangers right-hander Jason Grilli.

Detroit catcher John Hicks had two doubles, a single and two runs, and Ian Kinsler added two hits.

Miguel Cabrera, who sat out the previous two games with a stiff back, was back in the Detroit's lineup and went hitless in three at-bats.

Odor reached by a walk in the seventh, stole second and advanced to third on Hicks' throw trying to catch him. During the left-handed Choo's at-bat, Odor bolted for home. He beat Stumpf's throw, though plate umpire John Tumpane signaled a balk.

That play typified how things are going for the slumping Tigers.

"You've got to be aware of where the baserunners are and what they're doing," Detroit manager Brad Ausmus said. "Stumpf forgot about the baserunner, and it cost us. It was a two-run game. All of a sudden, it's a three-run game and we don't have a lot of outs to play with.

"(The losing streak) is not fun. We just have to play better. It's as simple as that. We've got to pitch better, hit better, manage better, coach better. We just have to be better because this ain't gonna cut it the next month and a half."

NOTES: Detroit 2B Ian Kinsler was still hot under the collar about his ejection from Monday's game for arguing balls and strikes with plate umpire Angel Hernandez. Of Hernandez, Kinsler said: "It has to do with changing the game. He's changing the game. He needs to find another job. He really does." ... Texas OF Carlos Gomez was out of the lineup for a second straight game because of illness, manager Jeff Banister said. ... Texas 3B Adrian Beltre played in career game No. 2,785, passing Alex Rodriguez for 25th all-time. ... The Rangers made a minor trade before the game, sending Triple-A Round Rock OF Travis Snider to the New York Mets for future considerations.

Multiple contributors help Rangers top Tigers 6-2

(TSX / STATS) -- ARLINGTON, Texas -- The Texas Rangers used every device in their offensive tool box to manufacture runs in a victory on Monday night.

The balanced attack featured RBIs from six hitters in Texas' 6-2 victory over the Detroit Tigers.

Texas employed timely hits, aggressive baserunning and sacrifice bunts, and it scored the go-ahead run on a ball that traveled 3 feet -- Delino DeShields' safety squeeze that brought in Rougned Odor in the second inning.

Nomar Mazara, Adrian Beltre, Drew Robinson and Robinson Chrinos also drove in runs, as did Joey Gallo, who belted his 33rd home run, a solo shot in the third inning. The homer was Gallo's 12th since the All-Star break, tops in the American League.

Odor led Texas' 11-hit attack by going 3-for-4 -- including a bunt hit to start the second -- with two stolen bases and three runs. Mazara also had three hits.

"I felt like tonight offensively might have been our best approach all year long with everything that we did," Texas manager Jeff Banister said. "We ran the bases well, got a bunt base hit, some sacrifice bunts ... just all around probably the best approach in a game that we've had collectively throughout the game."

The Rangers won for the fourth time in five games.

Texas left-hander Martin Perez (7-10) posted his second straight victory. The left-hander gave up two runs -- both on Justin Upton's homer in the first inning -- six hits and a walk. He struck out two.

Perez has allowed two runs in his past 14 innings.

"I think I've got confidence now," he said. "When that happens to a pitcher, you can do whatever you want with the ball, and you compete. It's not easy to go out there and face a good hitter, but when you've got confidence, you compete and do your job."

Right-hander Ricky Rodriguez, making his major league debut, was one of three Texas relievers who followed Perez to the mound. The 24-year-old, called up last week from Double-A Frisco, struck out the first two hitters he faced and retired Jose Iglesias on a lineout.

Rodriguez, right-hander Matt Bush, and left-hander Alex Claudio worked three scoreless innings, but not without some angst.

The Tigers loaded the bases with three hits in the ninth and brought the tying run to the plate. The spot in the order initially belonged to leadoff hitter Ian Kinsler, but he and manager Brad Ausmus were ejected by plate umpire Angel Hernandez in the fifth inning for arguing balls and strikes.

Instead, Dixon Machado was the batter, and he struck out against Claudio to end the game.

"I'm not going to talk about the umpires," said bench coach Gene Lamont, who took over for Ausmus. "That's a losing battle. You get frustrated and say the wrong thing, and the next thing you know, you're gone. Brad evidently said something he didn't like either."

Right-hander Michael Fulmer (10-10), in his first start since returning from a disabled-list stint prompted by a sore elbow, took the loss. He gave up five runs, seven hits and three walks in five innings. He struck out two.

A year ago to the day, Fulmer confounded the Rangers in a four-hit shutout. He struck out nine that time.

He wasn't nearly as crisp on Monday while struggling with his command. Fulmer walked the first two batters he faced in Texas' two-run first inning.

A stretch of 14 days between starts might have been one reason for his lack of command, though he is now 0-4 with a 7.89 ERA in his past four starts, all Tigers losses.

"I felt good. That's the only positive on the day," Fulmer said. "I was just out of sync. I think I got better as the game went on, but I felt every pitch was either a ball or right down the middle.

"They had some hard hits and some soft hits. They bunted, took extra bases. There really are no excuses. I have to prepare better."

Right-hander Jeff Ferrell surrendered Chirinos' RBI single in the sixth for Texas' final run.

In addition to Upton, who was 1-for-3 with a walk, Mikie Mahtook went 3-for-4 with a run for the Tigers, who have dropped eight of 10 games.

James McCann had two hits for Detroit. He has hit safely in 20 of his past 23 games.

Down 2-0 after Upton's two-run homer, Texas answered with two runs in its half of the first inning.

DeShields and Elvis Andrus walked to open the inning, and Mazara followed with an RBI single. Beltre's sacrifice fly scored Andrus.

Gallo ended an 0-for-11 stretch with a solo home run to center, his eighth home run in his past 11 games, in the third.

Odor scored his second run of the game in the fourth, coming home on Robinson's base hit.

"Martin pitched pretty good today," Odor said. "I just tried to get on base to keep scoring runs."

NOTES: Detroit 1B Miguel Cabrera was out of the lineup a second consecutive game after his back stiffened in the morning. ... Texas OF Shin-Soo Choo and OF Carlos Gomez were out of the lineup. "Choo is just a little banged up. Gomez felt a little under the weather," Texas manager Jeff Banister said. ... Texas LHP Jake Diekman, out all season after stomach surgery, threw live batting practice. No decision has been made on next his steps, which will include a minor league rehabilitation stint.

Astros top Rangers to snap skid

(TSX / STATS) -- ARLINGTON, Texas -- The Houston Astros got a few timely hits from the heart of their order on Sunday, and they beat the Texas Rangers 2-1 to snap their season-high five-game losing streak and salvage the final game of their series at Globe Life Park.

Houston and Texas were knotted at one through six innings thanks to solo homers by the Astros' Jose Altuve and Rangers' Adrian Beltre, but the Astros pulled in front in the seventh. Yuli Gurriel doubled off of the center-field wall, moved up to third on a groundout and scored on Carlos Beltran's single to left to put them in front and give Dallas Keuchel his first win since returning from the disabled list.

Keuchel threw 6 2/3 innings and allowed just one run -- Beltre's bomb in the fifth -- after entering Sunday's game with a 10.50 ERA in his last three starts. In two games at Globe Life Park this year, Keuchel is 2-0 and has allowed one earned run in 12 2/3 innings.

Cashner gave up two runs in seven innings, but the Astros did just enough off of him to scrape by and pick up the win.

With nobody out in the eighth, Astros reliever Chris Devenski walked Nomar Mazara and Beltre, prompting Houston manager A.J. Hinch to lift him for the closer, Ken Giles. Carlos Gomez's sacrifice bunt moved the runners over, but Joey Gallo hit into an inning-ending double play to end the Rangers' best chance to either tie the game or take the lead.

Each starter cruised through three innings before Altuve finally broke through with his homer in the fourth to get Houston on the scoreboard first. Texas had a pair of chances in the fourth and fifth innings to score, but four runners were left on base in those frames, including a bases-loaded strikeout by Mazara in the fifth. The Rangers had another chance in the seventh once Keuchel exited the game, but Elvis Andrus flew out with two outs, stranding Delino DeShields on third.

Cashner and Keuchel cruised through three innings before Altuve finally broke through with his homer in the fourth to get Houston on the scoreboard first. Texas had a pair of chances in the fourth and fifth innings to score, but four runners were left on base in those frames, including a bases-loaded strikeout by Mazara in the fifth.

NOTES: Before the game, the Rangers released INF Pete Kozma, who had been with Triple-A Round Rock. ... Rangers manager Jeff Banister was ejected in the fifth inning. ... Astros RHP Will Harris threw a bullpen session for the first time since going on the disabled list with shoulder inflammation. ... Astros manager A.J. Hinch told MLB.com that Harris would need 'two, maybe three' bullpen sessions before a rehab assignment.

Astros' losing streak at five games after loss to Rangers

(TSX / STATS) -- ARLINGTON, Texas -- In early June, the Houston Astros were riding high. They strolled into Arlington and swept the Texas Rangers, who had owned them the year before.

Now, the Rangers are poised to flip that and sweep Houston. They rode a few big swings from Brett Nicholas and Mike Napoli and a strong game from Adrian Beltre to their third straight win on Saturday night, beating the Astros 8-3 at Globe Life Park.

"Obviously, when you're playing the team that is on top, and we have that energy," Rangers manager Jeff Banister said. "I've said it all along, these guys aren't going away. They have a lot to play for.

"You see their heart, their grit, their resilience that we talk about every day in this clubhouse, and you saw it show up in these two games. They know exactly what they want to do."

Nicholas' three-run homer in the second inning, his first home run of the year, spotted Texas (56-59) an early lead for the second day in a row.

The Astros (71-45) clawed back to get within one, but they couldn't keep the Rangers from extending their lead. Houston dropped its fifth game in a row -- extending a season-high losing streak -- and the 11th of its last 14.

"Times like this will always feel miserable, bleak, frustrating, but every team goes through them," Astros manager A.J. Hinch told MLB.com. "While you're going through them, they're hard to describe. It's the same thing over and over again; there's mistakes being made, there's frustration starting to come out. When you come out of it, you feel pretty good about it."

Beltre had three hits -- including a double -- and three RBIs to pad the Rangers' lead late.

Texas chased Astros starter Mike Fiers (7-7, 4.36 ERA) from the game after four innings, his shortest outing since also going four innings against the New York Yankees on July 2. In three August starts, Fiers has given up six homers after allowing just four in the combined months of June and July.

Houston was forced to dig into its bullpen as a result, using five pitchers.

"That's pretty much the key to failure and success for me, I think, is the walk and the home run again," Fiers told MLB.com. "A big three-run homer after a couple of walks and I hit (Carlos) Gomez. One home run turns into three runs. Just putting myself in bad spots every inning, and just making it a lot tougher on these guys to fight back and win ballgames. It starts with me and it didn't start well."

Tyson Ross (3-2, 7.11) gave up three runs and four hits in 5 2/3 innings in his first start back after being activated from the disabled list earlier Saturday. He was removed with two outs in the sixth after walking in a run to make it 6-3.

But Matt Bush got Juan Centeno to fly out with the bases loaded, slamming the door on the last meaningful Houston threat. He worked 2 1/3 scoreless innings, and Jason Grilli closed it out in the ninth to seal the win.

The teams combined to hit five batters, including Carlos Gomez twice. Gomez has been hit by a pitch eight times in his last 15 games.

Houston got production from Alex Bregman -- who extended his career-long hitting streak to 14 games -- and J.D. Davis, but the offense failed to capitalize on Ross' return from injury.

After Joey Gallo walked and Gomez was hit by a pitch, Nicholas crushed his first homer of the year -- a three-run shot -- with two outs in the second, putting the Rangers on the board first for the second game in a row.

"Obviously, they can score runs in bunches, and it's nice to get a couple-run cushion right there," Nicholas said. "Once they start to put up a couple runs you can slow them down a bit, but it doesn't matter who it is. Any time you score a couple runs to start the game, it just gives you nice momentum going into the rest of the game."

The Astros got two back in the fourth. Bregman singled in Jose Altuve and later scored on Davis' double, but Rougned Odor's relay throw from Nomar Mazara in the right-field corner cut Derek Fisher down at the plate to end the inning.

Napoli's homer in the fourth inning, his 23rd of the year, stretched the Rangers' lead back to two runs.

Texas rallied again in the fifth. Mazara's RBI groundout and Beltre's RBI double in that inning made it 6-2.

NOTES: The game was delayed half an hour for a special pregame ceremony, where the Rangers retired newly inducted Hall of Fame member Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez's No. 7 jersey. ... Rangers RHP Tyson Ross was activated and OF Ryan Rua was optioned to Triple-A Round Rock. ... The Rangers also claimed INF Phil Gosselin off of waivers from Pittsburgh and outrighted INF Tyler Smith to Round Rock. ... The Astros promoted RHP Forrest Whitley, their first-round pick last year, to Double-A Corpus Christi. ... A 21-minute rain delay paused the game in the bottom of the first inning. ... Rangers OF Shin-Soo Choo reached base four times for the eighth time this year, tied for the eighth-most instances in the majors.

Perez, Rangers keep reeling Mets under wraps

(TSX / STATS) -- NEW YORK -- Texas Rangers manager Jeff Banister said he didn't give Martin Perez a chance at a complete game Wednesday because he wanted to try to add on to the team's lead in the top of the ninth inning.

But Texas slugger Joey Gallo had a different theory.

"I think his bat was holding us back a little," Gallo said after Perez compensated for striking out in all four plate appearances by earning the win with eight strong innings of three-hit ball in the Rangers' 5-1 victory over the New York Mets at Citi Field. "I think we had to get him out of there before he had five strikeouts."

Of course, becoming the first Rangers' pitcher in the interleague era to strike out four times in a game is an indication of just how well Perez fared Wednesday afternoon.

"I don't like to hit," a grinning Perez said. "I just like pitching."

He certainly enjoyed Wednesday's effort on the mound, which snapped a four-start skid in which Perez went 0-4 with a 9.41 ERA. Perez didn't allow a hit until the fifth inning, when Wilmer Flores belted a leadoff homer.

No other Mets player got beyond first base against Perez, who walked none and struck out five in his longest outing since Aug. 2, 2015.

"He was just hitting his spots," Mets outfielder Michael Conforto said. "Just attacking guys and getting early contact."

If the Rangers were playing in an American League park Wednesday, Perez, who threw just 89 pitches, likely would have gotten a chance at earning his first complete game since 2014. But with Perez due up second in the ninth, Banister sent up Rougned Odor as a pinch hitter.

"American League game? He didn't have to hit that situation, he goes back out," Banister said. "Yeah, there was some thought, but however, an opportunity to try to add on another run, in my opinion, (is) probably the better decision. Martin had a great day."

Perez (6-10) wasn't expected to pitch until Friday but learned late Tuesday night he'd pitch Wednesday due to a rotation reshuffling resulting from Andrew Cashner being scratched in the series opener with a stiff neck.

"I know (the) last start didn't go his way," Gallo said of Perez, who gave up seven runs over 4 2/3 innings against the Minnesota Twins last Friday. "Just talking with him, he was upset about, he was down about it but he was really excited to get back on the mound and prove himself. Today was absolutely phenomenal."

Alex Claudio tossed a perfect ninth inning to end the game.

Perez actually struck out before he threw a pitch thanks to a three-run first inning in which the Rangers batted around against Mets right-hander Rafael Montero (1-8). Shin-Soo Choo led off the game with a double, went to third on Nomar Mazara's single and scored on a balk by Montero. Gallo followed with a long two-run homer.

The Rangers employed small ball for their final two runs. In the second, Elvis Andrus reached on a fielder's choice, stole second and third and beat the throw home on Mazara's grounder to second. In the sixth, Mazara delivered a leadoff single, went to second on Adrian Beltre's single, took third on Gallo's walk and trotted home when Drew Robinson coaxed a walk.

Choo reached base five times in six plate appearances (double, single, three walks) while Gallo reached four times via the homer and three walks for the Rangers (54-59), who won for just the fourth time in their last 11 games. Mazara had three hits while Beltre had a pair of singles.

Jose Reyes and Amed Rosario each had a single for the Mets (50-61), who have lost eight out of 10 and missed a chance to sweep a series at home for the first time this season.

"There was no rhythm -- nothing ever seemed to flow, a real chopped-up game," Mets outfielder Jay Bruce said. "We spent a lot of time on the field and not very much time in the dugout."

Montero allowed four runs on five hits and three walks while striking out five over three innings.

NOTES: The Rangers recalled INF Tyler Smith from Triple-A Round Rock and optioned RHP Nick Martinez to the same affiliate. ... LHP Martin Perez's four-strikeout game at the plate was the eighth in franchise history but the first since the Rangers moved from Washington prior to the 1972 season, a year before the American League introduced the designated hitter. ... Mets INF Neil Walker started at third base for the first time since June 11, 2010. ... Mets RHP Hansel Robles tossed three innings for the first time this season and the fourth time in his career.

Mets, Rangers look for positives in disappointing seasons

Stats, LLC

(TSX / STATS) -- NEW YORK -- Six months ago, it would have been easy to make a case that a brief August series between the Texas Rangers and New York Mets might serve as a World Series preview.

However, there will be no glimpses at a potential Fall Classic on Tuesday night when the Mets host the Rangers in the opener of a two-game set between a pair of disappointing teams at Citi Field.

Mets rookie Chris Flexen (0-1, 12.00 ERA) will oppose Rangers veteran Andrew Cashner (7-8, 3.36 ERA) in a battle of right-handers.

Both teams were off Monday following losses on Sunday. The Mets were one-hit by the juggernaut Los Angeles Dodgers in an 8-0 defeat at Citi Field that capped a three-game sweep. The visiting Rangers fell to the Minnesota Twins 6-5 at Target Field.

The loss was the seventh in the past eight games for the Mets, who have been outscored 48-25 in that span.

New York, which made the playoffs the past two seasons but raised the white flag at the trade deadline this year by jettisoning first baseman Lucas Duda and closer Addison Reed, has the fifth-worst record in the National League and is 13 games behind in the wild-card race.

In addition, the Mets (49-60) are 11 games under .500 for the first time since July 5, 2014.

"We've got to swing the bats a little bit better," Mets outfielder Michael Conforto said following the Sunday game. "We've got to pitch better. And that's really the name of the game."

The Rangers finished with the best record in the American League last season, when they were swept in the Division Series by the Toronto Blue Jays, but they enter Tuesday with the junior circuit's fifth-worst record at 53-58.

However, thanks to the parity in the AL, Texas is just four games out of the second wild-card spot. Nonetheless, general manager Jon Daniels was a seller at the deadline, when he traded ace right-hander Yu Darvish to the Dodgers.

The Rangers' loss on Sunday, in a game they led 5-0 in the first inning, was indicative of the close-but-not-quite nature of their season thus far.

"We weren't able to keep attacking," Texas third baseman Adrian Beltre said. "We created some situations and came up short. It's tough when you start a game like that leading 5-0."

Flexen will make his third career start, and his first at home, on Tuesday night. He didn't factor into the decision Wednesday when he allowed five runs over three innings as the Mets beat the Colorado Rockies 10-5.

It was the second straight start in which Flexen lasted only three innings, though he likely would have pitched longer Wednesday if not for a blister. He is expected to pitch without restrictions Tuesday.

Cashner won his third consecutive start Wednesday, when he allowed one run over six innings as the Rangers beat the Seattle Mariners 5-1. He has a 2.37 ERA during the winning streak, a stretch in which he has lowered his overall ERA from 3.58 to 3.36.

Flexen has never faced the Rangers. Cashner is 0-3 with a 6.18 ERA in nine career appearances (four starts) against the Mets. He has not faced New York this season.

Twins storm back to beat Rangers

(TSX / STATS) -- MINNEAPOLIS -- Five home runs through the first three innings had Sunday's game between the Texas Rangers and Minnesota Twins looking like it was going to be an offensive show.

The home runs stopped and Minnesota found a way to score once more. But the Twins -- specifically two runners -- were almost too late.

Max Kepler, Brian Dozier and Eddie Rosario all homered, but Minnesota beat Texas 6-5 on Sunday thanks to Eduardo Escobar scoring on the third out of an inning.

Robbie Grossman's single off the right-field wall plated the winning run in unlikely fashion. With Escobar at second base, Grossman lined a ball off the wall and tried to stretch a single into a double.

Rangers right fielder Shin-Soo Choo fielded the ball quickly and threw Grossman out at second, but Escobar touched the plate just before the out was recorded. Texas manager Jeff Banister challenged the play, but the umpire's ruling was upheld.

"A little bit of a mistake that we made it so close on the out at second and the tag of home," Twins manager Paul Molitor said. "Kind of one of those things that shouldn't happen at this level and we almost got caught there. But we were able to get the run. Bullpen, eight zeroes combined with Jose (Berrios) going through five."

The run made a winner of Berrios (10-5), who allowed five runs, six hits and one walk in five innings. Berrios gave up two homers in the first inning but settled in to last until the fifth.

Matt Belisle pitched a perfect ninth for his first save since Oct. 3, 2012, with the Colorado Rockies. It was the first save situation for the Twins since trading All-Star closer Brandon Kintzler to the Washington Nationals.

"I think that game was kind of a testament to what we've done here all year," Belisle said. "I don't think there's any relent in this clubhouse. Nobody's ever giving up. We may get throttled sometimes, we may put it on some teams, but we've been tremendous -- I think you've all heard it -- of unhooking the trailer of yesterday, no matter what it is. We've also been very good of staying in the fight all nine innings."

Kepler and Dozier hit two-run homers in the second inning after the Rangers built a 5-0 lead in the first. Rosario, hitting in the cleanup spot for the first time, hit his 12th homer an inning later to tie the score.

Austin Bibens-Dirkx (3-2) allowed the winning run in his one inning of relief. Adrian Beltre and Joey Gallo homered for Texas as the teams split the series.

"It's pretty tough," Beltre said. "We come out and get the lead right away, first inning score five runs. We weren't able to keep attacking. We create a couple situations, but we came short. It's a tough one when you start the game winning 5-nothing."

Starter Nick Martinez lasted just four innings, giving up five runs, five hits and two walks. He was staked to a 5-0 lead after Beltre hit a three-run blast for his 10th homer of the year. The Rangers scored in the first inning in each of the four games of the series.

Gallo followed with a towering, two-run shot to the plaza in right field for his 30th homer of the year.

Kepler hit his first homer since July 3, snapping a drought of 24 games and 86 at-bats. Dozier hit his 20th of the season, becoming the ninth player in franchise history to hit 20 homers for four consecutive seasons. Dozier later left the game with an illness.

"They were able to capitalize on mistakes that I made," Martinez said. "They hit them out of the park. They were some pitches that weren't well-executed and they capitalized."

Berrios was able to recover from his rough start, collecting himself during a 32-minute rain delay.

Berrios escaped trouble in the fifth inning when he had runners at second and third with one out. Beltre's ground ball to shortstop was fielded by Jorge Polanco, who threw Choo out at home. Rougned Odor ended the inning with a flyout to right.

"Those are the type of games where people step up and try to find a way to put some zeroes up even though their pitch counts probably going to limit how far they can go," Molitor said of talking to Berrios after the first. "Try to give your team a chance to get back in the game. It's not always going to happen, but I think he responded to that challenge."

Texas was 1-for-7 with runners in scoring position.

NOTES: Texas 3B Adrian Beltre was hit in the head by a foul ball in the dugout, but the Rangers said he went through a concussion test and passed before returning to the game for his fifth-inning plate appearance. ... Twins 3B Miguel Sano was out of the lineup for the second straight day as he deals with a left-hand contusion. Sano still has soreness and swelling in the hand and could be sent for more tests, but manager Paul Molitor said a stint on the disabled list is "pretty unlikely." ... Minnesota LHP Glen Perkins will head to Double-A Chattanooga to continue his rehab and could be nearing a return to the majors. Perkins hasn't pitched in a major league game since April 11, 2016, before undergoing shoulder surgery. ... Rangers LHP Jake Diekman threw 31 pitches in a live batting practice session on Saturday, but manager Jeff Banister told reporters Sunday that the reliever isn't ready to begin a rehab assignment soon. Diekman has missed the entire season after surgeries for ulcerative colitis.

Dozier, Grossman, Colon power Twins past Rangers

(TSX / STATS) -- MINNEAPOLIS -- The fans waited and gave him another standing ovation as he went out for a postgame TV interview. Teammates Ervin Santana, Miguel Sano and Adalberto Mejia snuck up behind him with buckets of ice and water.

Bartolo Colon is still giving people reasons to smile and celebrate. On Friday, Colon, the Minnesota Twins and the fans at Target Field were enjoying another improbable moment from the 44-year-old Colon.

Colon threw his first complete game since Sept. 5, 2015, becoming the oldest player since 47-year-old Jamie Moyer in 2010 to throw a nine-inning complete game. Brian Dozier homered twice and Robbie Grossman added a three-run blast in a four-run first inning as Minnesota beat the Texas Rangers 8-4 on Friday.

"It means a lot to me and my family," Colon said through an interpreter. "At my age, being able to throw nine innings is impressive."

Colon (1-1) earned his first win in four starts with the Twins, the 10th organization with which he's won a game in his 20-year career. It was the 37th complete game of his career. Colon allowed four runs on nine hits and struck out five batters.

He retired 13 of the final 15 batters he faced.

"He settled in," Minnesota manager Paul Molitor said. "I think he had a pretty good idea of what he wanted to do with each and every hitter. He made a couple mistakes, a couple 0-2 mistakes along the way where he gave up some knocks, but he kept finding a way to get off the field. The pitches stayed within reason. The more we increased our cushion, the more rope I was going to give him."

Martin Perez (5-10) lasted just 4 2/3 innings. He surrendered seven runs on nine hits and two walks.

"Very challenging tonight for Martin, kind of a tale of two different types of pitchers," Texas manager Jeff Banister said. "Very flat across the zone when they did their damage."

Texas struck first as familiar foes Colon and Adrian Beltre went head-to-head in the first inning.

Shin-Soo Choo singled to lead off the game and Elvis Andrus doubled before Beltre singled in both runners. Beltre now has 18 career RBIs against Colon, the second most of any player behind Alex Rodriguez's 20.

Colon has given up seven runs in 15 1/3 innings in his last two starts after allowing seven runs in nine innings in his first two starts with the Twins.

"These last two starts, I think my command has been spot-on," Colon said. "The first two starts I didn't think I had it at all. But I've been working hard on it and we've seen the results of it."

Dozier's first homer came on the second pitch he saw leading off the top of the first inning against Perez. It was his fifth leadoff homer of the season and 24th of his career to extend his team record.

"He's kind of been our guy to jump-start us," Molitor said. "That's why he's up there at the top. He can get you going in a lot of ways. Those leadoff home runs always give you a bit of a jolt, especially when you respond to a deficit right out of the chute."

Dozier homered on the first pitch leading off the second for his seventh career multi-homer game and second of this season.

Since coming off the disabled list on July 2, Perez has allowed 28 earned runs in 34 2/3 innings (7.27 ERA) over six starts. He owns a 9.41 ERA in his past four starts, while going 0-4.

"They don't swing at bad pitches, so I think I was doing something wrong with my delivery tonight," Perez said. "I just need to make my adjustment and do what I know that I have to do, that I can do. Just come back tomorrow and watch the videos and see what I'm doing wrong with my mechanics."

Carlos Gomez homered with two outs in the ninth off Colon, his 15th home run of the season.

NOTES: Minnesota 3B Miguel Sano left the game after being hit by a pitch during his sixth-inning at-bat. The team announced Sano sustained a left-hand contusion and precautionary X-rays were negative. He's considered day-to-day. ... Twins LHP Hector Santiago was back in the team's clubhouse on Friday after his third rehab start on Thursday for Triple-A Rochester. Santiago, on the disabled list with upper thoracic back pain, pitched 5 2/3 innings on Thursday with 92 pitches. The team is trying to decide the next step. He could be activated to take a spot in the bullpen. ... Texas RHP Tyson Ross (right index finger blister) will make his second rehab start on Saturday at Double-A Frisco. ... With two homers, Twins 2B Brian Dozier surpassed teammate Joe Mauer for 11th on the team's all-time home run list with 136. Michael Cuddyer is 10th with 141 home runs.

Twins, Rangers try to stay relevant

Stats, LLC

MINNEAPOLIS -- The Minnesota Twins and Texas Rangers are in similar positions, having traded off key players at the deadline but still hoping to make some noise as the season winds down.

For Minnesota (51-55), the players held meetings on how to handle themselves and their current situation after surprisingly being in contention in the American League Central all season.

Texas (52-56) wants to find some semblance of momentum after falling from second to fourth in the AL West with a 7-11 stretch.

The Rangers won the opener of a four-game series against the Twins on Thursday, 4-1. Joey Gallo crushed a three-run homer.

"It allows us to capitalize on some momentum coming out of the homestand and getaway (game win over the Mariners on Wednesday)," Texas manager Jeff Banister said. "I think for us to stack another win on top of it, obviously these guys, they need that right now. We need that. We need to be able to put some wins together."

The Rangers came out of the All-Star break with two straight wins before slipping. The Thursday victory gave them back-to-back wins for the first time since sweeping Tampa Bay from July 21-23.

Left-hander Martin Perez (5-9, 5.13 ERA) starts for Texas on Friday against Twins right-hander Bartolo Colon (2-9, 7.70).

Perez told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram that his recent issues -- a 6.30 ERA in five July starts -- involved commanding his curveball and slider for strikes.

"I was working on it my bullpen, and I feel better," Perez told the newspaper.

Perez, who is 0-2 with a 3.32 ERA in his three career games against Minnesota, has lost his past three starts overall. His past five starts followed his return from a right thumb fracture/laceration.

Colon has shown progressive improvement in each of his three starts for the Twins. He allowed three runs on eight hits in 6 1/3 innings against Oakland on Sunday in his most recent outing.

"I feel good," said Colon, who pitched with the A's in 2013 and 2014. "I feel like this is one of my second homes. I thought it went well. I can't remember the last time I went past the sixth."

Colon is 20-9 with a 3.57 ERA in 34 career starts against Texas. The 44-year-old veteran will try to spark his latest team Friday.

"I think there's been a lot of disappointment in the fact that we were in a much better position a couple weeks ago," Minnesota manager Paul Molitor said. "But I know the guys got together and talked amongst themselves. We've had a few little chats about trying to keep things in perspective.

"That's the most important thing is just trying to take a step back and don't get all wrapped up in some of the things that transpired, especially around the deadline, and just try to go out there and play."

The Twins are seven games behind first-place Cleveland in the American League Central and 4 1/2 games out of a wild-card spot -- as is Texas.

"We're just going to keep going out there with aspirations of trying to put together a little run here and try to make ourselves relevant," Molitor said.

Gallo's 3-run blast guides Rangers past Twins

(TSX / STATS) -- MINNEAPOLIS -- Joey Gallo was looking at an 0-2 count, and he had seen a plenty of sliders from Minnesota Twins left-hander Adalberto Mejia.

In a season that has been built on the promise of long home runs and the frustration of strikeouts and a dwindling batting average, the situation normally would have been lights out for the Texas Rangers' big, young slugger.

Gallo, though, is learning from his mistakes in his longest go-around in the major leagues.

The Texas first baseman stayed on another breaking pitch from Mejia and hit it an estimated 430 feet. His three-run homer provided the cushion, and A.J. Griffin cruised through six innings in his return from the disabled list as the Rangers beat the Twins 4-1 on Thursday to open a four-game series.

"He's getting better every day he goes out there," Texas manager Jeff Banister said of Gallo. "We talked about, prior to the game, how he's now keeping the ball in the middle of the field, driving the ball to center, staying off the pull zone, not as much of a chase. Now, there's still some balls down that he swings at, but he's able to manage the at-bat."

Gallo's 29th homer of the year was another towering shot for the third-year player who has eight homers in his past 13 games. Gallo said he has talked to the veterans on the team, including Adrian Beltre, about improving his two-strike approach.

"Just trying not to go down looking as much as I have been," Gallo said. "At least try to put some kind of bat on the ball. ... Just try to make something happen. If you go down looking, you're leaving that in the umpire's hands. I'd rather leave it in my hands. I know they're going to be cautious with me. That's just what comes with you being a power hitter."

Griffin (5-2) allowed just two hits and a walk, surrendering one run and striking out four batters. Keone Kela and Matt Bush each pitched a scoreless inning in relief, and Alex Claudio finished with his fifth save in six chances.

Mejia (4-5) gave up four runs on seven hits and three walks in four innings.

The Minnesota starter didn't appear long for the outing after walking the first batter he faced, Delino DeShields, and allowing back-to-back hits by Elvis Andrus and Nomar Mazara. Mazara's single to center plated DeShields.

Mejia recovered to strike out the next three batters on his way to five consecutive strikeouts.

"The first inning I couldn't get a grip on the ball," Mejia said through an interpreter of the unusually cool August game with the game-time temperature of 56 degrees. "I think the weather, it was too cold for me and I couldn't grip the ball. My hand was kind of numb. But after that, I was able to get a grip on the ball and things went better."

The Rangers finished off Mejia in the fourth.

Mike Napoli doubled and Carlos Gomez walked before Gallo hit a towering homer to the second deck in right-center field.

"He settled in and did a nice job of minimizing there in the first inning with the strikeouts," Minnesota manager Paul Molitor said of Mejia. "He kind of kicked it into gear there for a couple innings, but the pitch count was climbing, and when he had a chance to finish guys there to keep the game tied, he couldn't make that last pitch."

Gallo has four homers in the past three games. Two of the blasts at home were tracked at 456 feet and 460 feet.

The 23-year-old Gallo is in his first full season in the majors after getting a taste each of the past two years. While participating in the Futures Game at Minnesota's Target Field in 2014, Gallo belted one home run that hit a truck parked in the stadium's right field plaza.

"That's a big man that creates great leverage," Banister said. "He's strong. When you do that in a game, they're very impressive. But any of them that go into the (stands) are nice, doesn't matter where they land."

Griffin was back after missing more than two months with a left intercostal strain. The only blemish on his line came in the third. He walked Robbie Grossman to lead off the inning, and Grossman scored from first on Byron Buxton's double to left field after DeShields slid fielding the ball.

"It's been awhile since I've been out there on the mound, so it was good to get out there and go mix it up, and help this ballclub win a ballgame," Griffin said. "Had those like first-day-of-school jitters a little bit last night and stuff. I was excited and a little nervous."

NOTES: Minnesota LHP Glen Perkins pitched an inning for Class A Fort Myers as he recovers from shoulder surgery performed last season. Manager Paul Molitor said Perkins likely would move his rehab to Double-A Chattanooga if all went well on Thursday. ... To make room for RHP A.J. Griffin's return to the roster, Texas optioned RHP Clayton Blackburn to Triple-A Round Rock. Griffin takes the open spot in the rotation after RHP Yu Darvish was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers. ... Twins RHP Trevor May (Tommy John surgery) played catch for the first time since undergoing surgery. ... Molitor announced that RHP Kyle Gibson would be recalled to fill in the open rotation spot after LHP Jaime Garcia was traded this week. Gibson will start Saturday.