Rangers slam Twins, 14-3
ARLINGTON, Texas -- Ryan Rua clubbed his first career grand slam, Shin-Soo Choo belted a three-run homer in the same inning, and the Texas Rangers blasted the Minnesota Twins 14-3 Wednesday night at Globe Life Field.
Helped by an eight-run eighth inning, the Rangers (10-12) salvaged the finale of the three-game series after dropping the first two. Texas improved to 5-2 on the 10-game homestand going into a day off on Thursday.
The Twins (10-11) had a four-game winning streak against Texas snapped, but they are still 7-3 against the Rangers dating back to last season.
Texas' Cole Hamels (2-0) was coming off his strongest start of the season, and though the left-hander wasn't at his best, he made it through 6 2/3 innings and allowed three runs. The veteran worked effectively around seven hits and three walks.
Twins lefty Hector Santiago started a day after his grandmother died, and he is set to go on the bereavement list. He managed to get through five innings and allowed two runs while not factoring in the decision.
Rangers manager Jeff Banister shook up the lineup in an effort to jumpstart a struggling offense. Delino DeShields batted leadoff, Carlos Gomez dropped to third in the order and Choo hit ninth for the first time this season.
DeShields got on base five times and scored three runs.
The Rangers, down 2-0 early, responded with season highs in runs and hits (14). The eight-run rally was Texas' high-scoring inning since an eight-run inning at Seattle on Aug. 8, 2015.
Texas initially broke the game open in the sixth by taking advantage of two Minnesota relievers and some sloppiness to score four times. Taylor Rogers immediately put the Twins behind the eight-ball by loading the bases with one out thanks in part to a hit batter and walk.
Tyler Duffey came in and promptly bounced a wild pitch, allowing Joey Gallo to score and give Texas its first lead at 3-2. Andrus followed with a two-run single and scored the final run of the frame via a passed ball.
Rogers (1-1) was charged with three runs in one-third of an inning.
Hamels went out for the seventh staked to a 6-2 and left with two outs with two runners on. Tony Barnette allowed a run-scoring single to Brian Dozier before getting out of the inning.
NOTES: Texas 3B Adrian Beltre (calf) has been out all season and is no closer to returning to the lineup. "It's at the point where we didn't necessarily see the progress results we thought we would see," manager Jeff Banister said. ... Twins manager Paul Molitor confirmed RHP Kyle Gibson will start again Friday at Kansas City despite posting a 9.00 ERA through his first four starts. ... Rangers OF Nomar Mazara had his first day off after 21 straight starts. ... Texas improved to 7-6 at home and Minnesota dropped to 5-4 on the road. ... Both clubs are off Thursday. Texas opens a three-game home series Friday against the Los Angeles Angles, while Minnesota starts a three-set at Kansas City.