Rangers 2, Red Sox 1
BOSTON -- Right-hander Phil Klein, summoned from the minor leagues to make his first major league start, and four relievers combined on a nine-hitter that gave the Texas Rangers a 2-1 victory over the Boston Red Sox on Wednesday night.
Klein, who yielded five hits and four runs in 4 2/3 innings in six relief appearances earlier this season, allowed one run and five hits in 5 1/3 innings against Boston for his second big-league win. He made 23 relief appearances in 2014 and 2015.
Left-hander Alex Claudio and right-hander Tanner Scheppers each got an out to escape a bases-loaded situation in the sixth and Scheppers escaped trouble in the seventh as the Rangers (17-23) won for the third time in the last eight games.
Right-hander Ross Ohlendorf worked the eighth and right-hander Shawn Tolleson, auditioning for the open closer's role, pitched the ninth for his first major league save.
It wasn't easy.
Center fielder Mookie Betts collected his second hit of the game, a double, with one out in the ninth. Second baseman Dustin Pedroia then drove left fielder Delino DeShields back to the wall for the second out. The Rangers put the winning run on by walking DH David Ortiz for the second straight time and the third time in two nights before left fielder Hanley Ramirez grounded out to end it.
Catcher Robinson Chirinos hit a solo home run and shortstop Elvin Andrus delivered a sacrifice fly off hard-luck loser Joe Kelly (1-3), who is 0-3 with four no-decisions since winning his first start of the season.
Shortstop Xander Bogearts hit a solo homer for the Red Sox (19-21), who failed in an attempt to get back to .500 for the first time since they were 12-12.
Third baseman Adrian Beltre had two hits and center fielder Leonys Martin added a double for Texas.
First baseman Mike Napoli and right fielder Shane Victorino stroked two hits apiece for Boston. Victorino came off the bench to go 2-for-2.
The Rangers, who struggled defensively Tuesday night in a 4-3 loss to the Red Sox, helped Klein out defensively at the start. Martin ranged far into left center to snare Betts' leadoff drive in the first inning, making an outstanding backhand grab.
Texas left fielder Delino DeShields made two running catches in the second.
With two outs in the home fourth, Napoli stroked his second single of the game. He would have scored on a long double by right fielder Daniel Nava, but the ball bounced into the Texas bullpen, and Napoli had to stop at third. Third baseman Brock Holt then popped out to end the threat.
Beltre started the second with a single and rode to third on first baseman Mitch Moreland's single before Andrus delivered his sacrifice fly.
Chirinos boosted the Rangers' lead to 2-0 when he opened the third with a hefty home run to center.
Bogaerts led the Boston fifth with his first homer since April 25.
NOTES: Red Sox 3B Pablo Sandoval, struck on the left knee by a pitch Tuesday night, was out of the lineup. He was diagnosed with a bone bruise, but it is not considered serious. He also could sit Thursday when Texas LHP Wandy Rodriguez faces Boston RHP Clay Buchholz in the series finale. Sandoval is 2-for-41 against lefties this season. ... Don Sweeney, named general manager of the Boston Bruins earlier in the day, threw out the first pitch. ... The Rangers made room for RHP Phil Klein, Wednesday's starter, by designating OF Carlos Peguero for assignment. Peguero was hitting .186 with four homers and nine RBIs. ... The Red Sox acquired RHP John Cornely from the Atlanta Braves for cash considerations and optioned him to Triple-A Pawtucket. ... RHP Stolmy Pimentel, designated for assignment by Texas on May 13, cleared waivers and was sent to Triple-A Round Rock.