Rangers 8, Rays 0
David Murphy went 4-for-4 with four RBIs and C.J. Wilson pitched his first career shutout as the Texas Rangers cruised to an 8-0 victory over the host Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday.
Wilson (15-6) allowed five hits and struck out six to win for the fifth time in his last six starts. He improved to 4-0 against the Rays in his career and reached 200 innings for the second straight season.
Murphy belted a solo homer to lead off the second inning, a two-out, two-run double in the third and a two-out RBI double in the fifth as the Rangers won for the sixth time in their last nine games.
Ian Kinsler homered to lead off the game for the seventh time this season - it was also Kinsler's fifth home run in six September games.
The Rangers increased their lead to 3 1/2 games over the Angels in the American League West; the Rays fell eight games behind the Red Sox in the AL wild card standings.
Tampa Bay starter Jeff Niemann (9-7) allowed nine hits and seven runs over 4 2/3 innings, and lost for the third time in four decisions after he had won seven straight.
Josh Hamilton had a pair of doubles and his 80th RBI of the season.