[an error occurred while processing this directive] 07/03/2009

Hunter's first win for Texas Rangers is well polished

Texas Rangers' Andruw Jones (left) celebrates with teammate Hank Blalock after Blalock's two-run homer in the fourth inning.
AP
Texas Rangers' Andruw Jones (left) celebrates with teammate Hank Blalock after Blalock's two-run homer in the fourth inning.

Tommy Hunter earned his first career victory on his 23rd birthday, Hank Blalock homered and the Texas Rangers won their third in a row, beating the Tampa Bay Rays 3-1 Friday night. Hunter allowed three hits and struck out five in 5 1/3 innings to help slow down baseball's top-scoring offense.
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07/04/2009

RANGERS BRIEFS
ARLINGTON – Rangers president Nolan Ryan said he doesn't expect the team to be sold until after the season, at the earliest.

RANGERS 3, RAYS 1
ARLINGTON – The big stage isn't as intimidating as it was 11 months ago, when Tommy Hunter made his third big league start in Boston.

07/03/2009

Ryan: Texas Rangers sale unlikely before season's end
Texas Rangers president Nolan Ryan said he doesn't expect Tom Hicks to find a buyer for the club until after the season, at the earliest.

Friday's Texas Rangers spotlight: Josh Hamilton
Up next: vs. Tampa Bay, 7:05 p.m. Saturday (FSSW)

Friday's Texas Rangers game highlights
Rangers 3, Rays 1

Recent Texas Rangers-Angels series ratings high
The three-game Texas Rangers series against the Angels at the Ballpark brought out television viewers. Tuesday's 9-5 Rangers victory pulled a season-high 3.8 rating for Fox Sports Southwest. That translates into 94,600 homes.

In-game chat from Texas Rangers-Rays game

Tommy Hunter starts in Friday's game for the Texas Rangers.
RON JENKINS / Special to DMN
Tommy Hunter starts in Friday's game for the Texas Rangers.

The Texas Rangers begin a three-game series with the Tampa Bay Rays Friday night. DMN blogger Richard Durrett is at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington for an in-game chat. You can join in on our Rangers blog.
 Rangers-Rays box score
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07/02/2009

Texas Rangers' Hamilton hopes to return to lineup Saturday

Josh Hamilton, recovering from surgery to repair a torn abdominal muscle, has two hits in 15 at-bats in his rehab assignment.
AP
Josh Hamilton, recovering from surgery to repair a torn abdominal muscle, has two hits in 15 at-bats in his rehab assignment.

Josh Hamilton was some three hours southwest of the Field of Dreams on Thursday night, playing center field for Triple-A Oklahoma City. He hopes to be playing center field for the Texas Rangers as soon as Saturday.
Sherrington | Rangers meeting payroll
Rangers-Rays: Preview | Matchup
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Tom Hicks' financial woes will hamper Texas Rangers' progress

Ownership of the Texas Rangers is not a walk in the park for Tom Hicks these days.
DMN FILE PHOTO 2008
Ownership of the Texas Rangers is not a walk in the park for Tom Hicks these days.

Texas Rangers owner Tom Hicks' financial problems and the possible ownership change could stunt the Rangers' progress, writes columnist Kevin Sherrington.
Rangers-Rays: Preview | Matchup
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MLB loaned millions to Hicks, but Texas Rangers meeting payroll
Information suggesting financial woes for owner Tom Hicks and the Hicks Sports Group continues to surface, but general manager Jon Daniels said baseball operations have not been affected.

Right-hander Brandon McCarthy is in a rebuilding year
When Brandon McCarthy, who is on the disabled list iwth a fractured shoulder blade, returns to the Rangers, it will be with a new delivery, writes Jeff Wilson in this week's Inside the Rangers newsletter.

Who should be the Texas Rangers' closer?

Who should Ron Washington choose to finish off games: C.J. Wilson (left) or Frank Francisco?
Special to DMN / DMN
Who should Ron Washington choose to finish off games: C.J. Wilson (left) or Frank Francisco?

You know the situation: It's the ninth inning and the Texas Rangers have a slight lead. So who do you pick to close out the game: Frank Francisco or C.J. Wilson? Richard Durrett makes his case.
C.J. Wilson sends message to Angels via Twitter
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Texas Rangers take series from Angels with Blalock blast

Hank Blalock (third from left, head down) is mobbed by his teammates after his ninth-inning home run.
MICHAEL AINSWORTH / DMN
Hank Blalock (third from left, head down) is mobbed by his teammates after his ninth-inning home run.

Hank Blalock launched the first pitch he saw from reliever Justin Speier over the center-field wall for a two-run, walk-off homer that gave the Texas Rangers a 9-7 victory over the Angels at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington.
Chat: Game chat
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Texas Rangers should send thank-you card to LA Angels

Michael Young and the Texas Rangers took advantage of mistakes made by the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday.
RON T. ENNIS / Special to DMN
Michael Young and the Texas Rangers took advantage of mistakes made by the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday.

While the Texas Rangers are enjoying their ninth-inning win, columnist Tim Cowlishaw blogs that the Los Angeles Angels should be kicking themselves for making a lot of dumb mistakes.
C.J. Wilson sends message to Angels via Twitter
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Texas Rangers reliever rocked in return as closer
Texas Rangers right-hander Frank Francisco's official return to the closer's role got off to a shaky start Wednesday.

Tom Hicks dissolves joint Rangers-Stars sales force
The Hicks Sports Marketing Group was born in 2006 with the idea that the combined force of Tom Hicks' sports entities had the potential to accomplish great things.

Wednesday's Texas Rangers spotlight: Bullpen hammer
Baseball superstitions seldom have normal beginnings. The Rangers' bullpen hammer is no different.

Wednesday's Texas Rangers highlights
Rangers 9, Angels 7

07/01/2009

Blalock's blast rescues Texas Rangers, 9-7

Hank Blalock (third from left, head down) is mobbed by his teammates after his ninth-inning home run.
MICHAEL AINSWORTH / DMN
Hank Blalock (third from left, head down) is mobbed by his teammates after his ninth-inning home run.

The Texas Rangers wasted a six-run lead but got a two-run home run in the bottom of the ninth inning from Hank Blalock to defeat the Angels, 9-7, Wednesday night in the rubber game of a three-game series at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington.
Chat: Game chat
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06/30/2009

HR department: Texas Rangers blast 5 homers in 9-5 win

Texas' Marlon Byrd is congratulated by Michael Young after hitting the first of his two home runs in Tuesday's game.
JOHN F. RHODES / DMN
Texas' Marlon Byrd is congratulated by Michael Young after hitting the first of his two home runs in Tuesday's game.

Los Angeles pitcher Joe Saunders might want to miss the team flight the next time he's scheduled to pitch at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. His Texas misery continued Tuesday, as the Texas Rangers hit five home runs in a 9-5 victory.
Sherrington: One-night outburst a mirage
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Texas Rangers' one-night hitting resurgence is a mirage
Even though it appeared the Rangers’ bats had bounced back Tuesday night, don’t believe it's a trend, writes columnist Kevin Sherrington.

10/22/2008

Texas Rangers blog: Rangers lead 9-4 after five

Derek Holland is Saturday's starter for the Texas Rangers.
RICHARD W. RODRIGUEZ / Special to DMN
Derek Holland is Saturday's starter for the Texas Rangers.

The Texas Rangers host the Tampa Bay Rays in the second game of their third-game series Saturday night at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. Derek Holland is making his seventh start of the season and looking for his second win for the Rangers. Keep up with the action on our Rangers blog.
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06/30/2009

Kinsler's lead over Boston's Pedroia in All-Star vote shrinking
It's too late for Ian Kinsler to hire a campaign manager for his All-Star bid, but the Rangers second baseman is keeping an eye on the voting.

Tuesday's Texas Rangers spotlight: Derek Holland
The rookie initiation doesn't stop for left-hander Derek Holland.

Tuesday's Texas Rangers game highlights
Tuesday's Texas Rangers game highlights

06/22/2009

Texas Rangers blog: How would you fix the offense?

First baseman Chris Davis' batting average has fallen to .194.
LOUIS DeLUCA / DMN
First baseman Chris Davis' batting average has fallen to .194.

The Texas Rangers only have six hits in the last 20 innings, so Richard Durrett puts you in the manager's seat. What would you do to stop the slide?
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06/29/2009

Cold fact: Offense fails Texas Rangers again in loss to Angels

Rangers pitching coach Mike Maddux (center) talks to starter Vicente Padilla during the sixth inning.
MICHAEL AINSWORTH / DMN
Rangers pitching coach Mike Maddux (center) talks to starter Vicente Padilla during the sixth inning.

Texas Rangers starter Vicente Padilla might make for an easy target in the aftermath of Monday night's 5-2 loss to the Los Angeles Angels. But offense continues to be the Rangers' downfall.
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Not usual suspect: Offense undermining Texas Rangers

Texas' David Murphy and Marlon Byrd hit back-to-back homers in the third inning, and that was it for the Rangers' offense.
MICHAEL AINSWORTH / DMN
Texas' David Murphy and Marlon Byrd hit back-to-back homers in the third inning. That was it for the Rangers' offense.

Shrinking from the spotlight as summer heats up is nothing new for the Texas Rangers, writes Tim Cowlishaw. It's just the manner in which they are vanishing - a lack of hitting - that causes disbelief.
Blogs: Rangers | Cowlishaw
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Tell Us: Make or break series?
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Hot bat earned Borbon a promotion
Rangers manager Ron Washington said the decision to call up outfielder Julio Borbon wasn't an attempt to shake up a struggling offense. But having Borbon in the lineup can't hurt.

Texas Rangers' Hamilton goes 1-for-4 in rehab start
The baseball savior appeared Monday night 35 miles northeast of Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. Perhaps when Josh Hamilton is ready to rejoin his teammates, he should parachute in.

Monday's Texas Rangers spotlight: David Murphy
While most of the Rangers had their traditional uniforms hanging in their lockers, David Murphy had a pair with a different tint – they were green and gold.

Monday's Texas Rangers game highlights
Monday's Texas Rangers game highlights

06/28/2009

Texas Rangers offense is frigid in 2-0 loss

Texas Rangers 3B Michael Young leaps for the throw as San Diego's Everth Cabrera dives into the third for a triple.
MIKE STONE / Special to DMN
Texas Rangers 3B Michael Young leaps for the throw as San Diego's Everth Cabrera dives into the third for a triple.

Chad Gaudin was masterful for eight innings as he and Heath Bell combined on the first one-hitter thrown by an opponent in Rangers Ballpark history in a 2-0 San Diego victory.
 Game photos
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Texas Rangers' Hamilton set for action
Josh Hamilton will begin a rehab assignment Monday night at Double-A Frisco, his latest step toward returning to the Texas Rangers lineup this week.

Sunday's Texas Rangers spotlight: Next 13 games
The newest occupants of first place in the American League West – the Los Angeles Angels – come to town Monday. It begins a crucial 13-game stretch for the Rangers leading into the All-Star break.

Sunday's Texas Rangers game highlights
Padres 2, Rangers 0

06/27/2009

Texas Rangers fall from first place with 7-3 loss 

San Diego's Everth Cabrera steals third base as Texas' Michael Young is late with the tag.
MIKE STONE / Special to DMN
San Diego's Everth Cabrera steals third base as Texas' Michael Young is late with the tag.

Texas Rangers pitcher Derek Holland struck out a career-high eight batters but allowed 13 hits in 5 2/3 innings as the San Diego Padres pounded the Texas Rangers, 7-3. The loss knocked the Rangers out of first place in the American League West for the first time since May 5.
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Starting pitching will finish Texas Rangers in September

Derek Holland (right) will be the Rangers' ace one day, but not this season, writes Jean-Jacques Taylor.
MIKE STONE / Special to DMN
Derek Holland (right) will be the Rangers' ace one day, but not this season, writes Jean-Jacques Taylor.

History says the Texas Rangers will eventually hit and score runs. But if the starting pitching remains inconsistent, the Rangers will fall by the wayside in September writes Jean-Jacques Taylor.
Rangers fall from first
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Texas Rangers' Harrison gets another DL stint
Rangers left-hander Matt Harrison is going back on the disabled list. The team announced Saturday that Harrison would miss today's start because of biceps inflammation in his left arm and will be placed on the 15-day disabled list today.

Saturday's Texas Rangers spotlight: Elvis Andrus
The jump to the pros has been smooth for rookie shortstop Elvis Andrus.

Saturday's Texas Rangers game highlights
Padres 7, Rangers 3

06/26/2009

Texas Rangers win their third straight as offense heats up

David Murphy (right) slaps hands with teammate Marlon Byrd after the Texas Rangers outfielder hit a three-run homer.
JOHN F. RHODES / DMN
David Murphy (right) slaps hands with teammate Marlon Byrd after the Texas Rangers outfielder hit a three-run homer.

David Murphy and Hank Blalock homered to pace a suddenly resurgent Texas Rangers offense and Kevin Millwood won his fifth straight decision at home in a 12-2 victory over the San Diego Padres on Friday night.
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No superstar for Texas Rangers makes role players more valuable

Texas Rangers DH Hank Blalock (right) slaps hands with teammate Jarrod Saltalamacchia after hitting a home run.
JOHN F. RHODES / DMN
Texas Rangers DH Hank Blalock (right) slaps hands with teammate Jarrod Saltalamacchia after hitting a home run.

When the players cast their All-Star votes this weekend, forgive them if they don't give your first-place Texas Rangers much consideration. DMN columnist Kevin Sherrington asks this question: If you had to name an MVP of a surprising first half, who would you pick?
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Texas Rangers' Millwood staying hot in June
In a series of moves, the Texas Rangers activated pitcher Willie Eyre from the 60-day disabled list, optioned outfielder Brandon Boggs to Oklahoma City, and put Duran on release waivers. The Duran move cleared a spot on the 40-man roster for Eyre.

Friday's Texas Rangers game highlights
Rangers 12, Padres 2

Friday's Texas Rangers spotlight: Clubhouse music
The music in the Texas Rangers' clubhouse didn't change Friday.

Chris Davis turns tips into hits in Texas Rangers' 12th-inning win

Texas' David Murphy (left) is congratulated after hitting the second of two Rangers home runs in the 12th inning.
AP
Texas' David Murphy (left) is congratulated after hitting the second of two Rangers home runs in the 12th inning.

Chris Davis went 4-for-5, including a two-out, two-run homer in the 12th inning, as the Rangers edged Arizona 9-8 and left Chase Field with a second consecutive victory.
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Hamilton likely to return to Texas Rangers before All-Star break
More than two weeks have passed since Josh Hamilton had surgery to repair a torn abdominal muscle, and the Rangers had been playing his recovery close to the vest.

Thursday's Texas Rangers game highlights
Rangers 9, Diamondbacks 8 (12 innings)

06/25/2009

Texas Rangers' Byrd stands by his decision about supplements
Rangers outfielder Marlon Byrd understands that fans, the media and even some of his peers in baseball might question his decision to use supplements from Victor Conte, the brains behind the BALCO steroid scandal.

Theories abound on slumping Texas Rangers bats
Rangers Mailbag readers were looking for someone to blame for the team's offense, which is struggling more than any other in the American League. However, they may have been pointing fingers in the wrong direction, writes Jeff Wilson in this week's Inside the Rangers newsletter.

Thursday's Texas Rangers spotlight: Independent leagues
Max Scherzer, who beat the Rangers on Tuesday, got his start in professional baseball as a pitcher for the Fort Worth Cats in 2007.

Hard-throwing Feliz promoted to Triple-A Oklahoma City
Top prospect Neftali Feliz will start working as a reliever tonight at Triple-A Oklahoma City as the Rangers look to the hard-throwing 21-year-old to bolster the big league bullpen later this season.

Wednesday's Texas Rangers spotlight: Nelson Cruz
A day after it was suggested that Nelson Cruz is trying to hit home runs too often, the right fielder was given a day off as the Rangers tried to end a five-game losing streak.

Wednesday's Texas Rangers highlights
Rangers 2, Diamondbacks 1

06/24/2009

Padilla to the rescue: Texas Rangers end losing skid

Texas' Marlon Byrd gets a high-five from Elvis Andrus after scoring a run.
AP
Texas' Marlon Byrd gets a high-five from Elvis Andrus after scoring a run.

The Texas Rangers needed a strong pitching performance Wednesday night. Cue right-hander Vicente Padilla, who only three weeks ago was riding baseball's waiver wire but outdueled Dan Haren in a 2-1 victory over Arizona that broke Texas' five-game losing streak.
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Texas Rangers blog: Hard not to panic

Texas Rangers manager Ron Washington walks back to the dugout after arguing over a call at first base.
Getty Images
Texas Rangers manager Ron Washington walks back to the dugout after arguing over a call at first base.

That's five straight losses for the Texas Rangers. And the struggles at the plate also have seemed to creep 60 feet, 6 inches to the pitching mound. All that has erased the Rangers' lead in the AL West and dropped them into a tie with the LA Angels. Richard Durrett offers his random thoughts on the Rangers' doldrums.
Rangers-Diamondbacks preview
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Former Texas Rangers president Schieffer to run for governor
Lawyer-businessman Tom Schieffer, a friend of George W. Bush from their days as members of an investment group that owned the Texas Rangers, announced his candidacy for governor Wednesday.

Tuesday's Texas Rangers game highlights
Diamondbacks 8, Rangers 2

06/23/2009

Hitting amiss, Texas Rangers drop fifth straight

Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus is out on a close play at first base in the sixth inning.
AP
Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus is out on a close play at first base in the sixth inning.

The Texas Rangers haven't clicked all month at the plate, and even though they had eight hits Tuesday, they lost, 8-2, to the Arizona Diamondbacks to extend their losing streak to five games. The loss dropped Texas into a first-place tie in the AL West.
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If Rangers deal, upgrading bullpen will be likely goal
General manager Jon Daniels said the bullpen is the area that probably could be upgraded by a deal before the July 31 trade deadline, but the Rangers might also try to improve from within the organization for a run at the playoffs.

Tuesday's Texas Rangers spotlight: Josh Hamilton
Fans continue to vote often enough for the Rangers' Josh Hamilton to make him a starter for the All-Star Game next month, but don't look for the center fielder to participate as he attempts to get healthy for the second half of the season.

Texas Rangers blog: And now, for the good news

Texas Rangers starter Kevin Millwood has a 2.62 ERA in 106.2 innings pitched.
Special to DMN
Texas Rangers starter Kevin Millwood has a 2.62 ERA in 106.2 innings pitched.

After doting on what's wrong with the Texas Rangers, Richard Durrett again puts you in the manager's seat. He now takes an optimistic approach and lets you chime in on everything that's going right for the Rangers.
Rangers-Diamondbacks preview
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06/22/2009

Texas Rangers can't afford a win-at-all-costs approach

Derek Holland is supposed to be on a learning curve. He, like some other young Rangers, needs a little rope, Kevin Sherrington writes.
LOUIS DeLUCA / DMN
Derek Holland is supposed to be on a learning curve. He, like some other young Rangers, needs a little rope, Kevin Sherrington writes.

Should the Texas Rangers' first-place standing and premature contention change general manager Jon Daniels' 2010 timetable? Conventional wisdom teaches us to win while you can. But not at any cost, writes Kevin Sherrington.
Rangers-D'backs: Preview | Matchup
Blogs: Rangers | Sherrington
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Relieved: O'Day, Grilli have revived careers in Texas Rangers' bullpen
The Rangers have a reputation for being a team where pitchers go to have their careers die.

06/21/2009

Texas Rangers go quietly in sweeping loss to Giants

San Francisco's Barry Zito loses a no-hitter after surrendering a two-run home run to Texas Rangers' Andruw Jones (right).
AP
San Francisco's Barry Zito loses a no-hitter after surrendering a two-run home run to Texas Rangers' Andruw Jones (right).

As bad as things are going for the Texas Rangers offense, at least the defense had been dependable in the team's current slide. That changed Sunday. Two makeable plays weren't made, and an Elvis Andrus throwing error helped the Giants defeat the Rangers, 3-2, and complete a three-game sweep at AT&T Park.
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Texas Rangers' Davis keeps the faith
The record Chris Davis set Saturday night was a dubious one, but at least the Texas Rangers first baseman could find some humor in it.

Sunday's Texas Rangers game highlights
Giants 3, Rangers 2

Sunday's Texas Rangers spotlight: Sixth inning
Up next: at Arizona, 8:40 p.m. Tuesday (FSSW)

06/20/2009

Texas Rangers beaten by Giants on wild pitch in 11th inning

Ian Kinsler (right) hit a solo home run for the Texas Rangers' only run of the game.
AP
Ian Kinsler (right) hit a solo home run for the Texas Rangers' only run of the game.

The way things are going for the Texas Rangers, an ending like Saturday night was bound to happen. Jason Jennings' wild pitch scored Nate Schierholtz with two outs in the bottom of the 11th to lift the San Francisco Giants to a 2-1 victory.
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Texas Rangers are packed with value

With owner Tom Hicks (front) willing to sell a majority stake in the Rangers, team president Nolan Ryan says he might want to take a look as part of an investment group.
LOUIS DeLUCA / DMN
With owner Tom Hicks (front) willing to sell a majority stake in the Rangers, team president Nolan Ryan says he might want to take a look as part of an investment group.

More people have been flocking to see a winning Rangers team this season, and they've been spending more money at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. That could make the team more attractive to potential buyers.
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Ryan: Lack of key hits is hurting Texas Rangers
Texas Rangers president Nolan Ryan made the trip to AT&T Park on Saturday to be part of a ceremony to honor 300-game winner Randy Johnson.

Saturday's Texas Rangers spotlight: Kevin Millwood
Up next: vs. San Francisco, 3:05 p.m. Sunday

Saturday's Texas Rangers game highlights
Giants 2, Rangers 1 (11 innings)

Trip begins with a fall: Texas Rangers stumble in loss to Giants

San Francisco's Fred Lewis hits a two-run home run in the sixth inning to give the Giants a 5-4 lead.
AP
San Francisco's Fred Lewis hits a two-run home run in the sixth inning to give the Giants a 5-4 lead.

The Texas Rangers are 0-7 all time at AT&T Park and have lost nine consecutive games in San Francisco. The latest defeat came Friday night, a 6-4 loss to the Giants that trimmed the Rangers' lead in the AL West to half a game. It didn't have to be that way.
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Friday's Texas Rangers game highlights
Giants 6, Rangers 4

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