Rangers 3, Mariners 2
Adrian Beltre hit a two-run homer and Derek Holland pitched 7 2/3 scoreless innings as visiting Texas won the opener of a three-game set.
Ian Kinsler had a run-scoring single as the Rangers won their third consecutive contest and boosted their lead over the Los Angeles Angels in the American League West to five games.
Holland (6-4) scattered four hits and two walks while striking out four in his longest outing of the season. It was a dramatic turnaround from his last start against Seattle on May 30, when he lasted just 1 2/3 innings and allowed eight runs and eight hits as the Mariners pounded the Rangers 21-8.
Mike Adams got the final out of the eighth, but the Mariners threatened against Joe Nathan in the ninth. The Texas closer allowed three straight singles with one out, and a run scored when first baseman Michael Young was charged with an error on Michael Saunders’ grounder.
Saunders didn’t realize Justin Smoak stopped at third and John Jaso at second, and was caught in a rundown between first and second for the second out.
Nathan’s wild pitch allowed Smoak to score and he walked pinch hitter Carlos Peguero before striking out Dustin Ackley for his 19th save in 20 opportunities.
Kinsler hit an RBI single in the fifth to get Texas on the board, and Beltre followed Josh Hamilton’s one-out base hit in the sixth with a towering shot to left off Kevin Millwood (3-7) for his 16th homer of the season and a 3-0 lead.
Millwood allowed three runs and eight hits in 6 2/3 innings. He struck out four and walked two.
GAME NOTEBOOK: Young had two hits and is 6-for-10 over his last two games. … Seattle’s Jesus Montero went 0-for-3 as the designated hitter in his first action since suffering a concussion on July 4. … Texas C Mike Napoli left the game after eight innings due to a bruised right quadriceps. … Kyle Seager and Casper Wells each had two hits for Seattle.