Rangers 7, Mariners 2
ARLINGTON, Texas -- The Texas Rangers hit back-to-back-to-back home runs in the seventh inning to break open a close game and roll to a 7-2 victory over the Seattle Mariners on Wednesday.
With the Rangers leading 3-2, Texas designated hitter Mitch Moreland hit a two-run homer off Joe Beimel. First baseman Mike Napoli followed with a home run to center field and then shortstop Elvis Andrus ended the day for Beimel by drilling a homer to left.
The homers came in a four-pitch span and marked the eighth time in franchise history the Rangers have hit three consecutive homers -- the last time was May 26, 2012, against the Toronto Blue Jays.
The offensive outburst helped make a winner of Derek Holland (1-1), who hadn't pitched since April 10 because of a strained left shoulder muscle. He allowed two runs on eight hits in 6 1/3 innings. He struck out six and didn't walk a batter.
The offensive outburst came after the Rangers (61-58) had gone quiet. Texas scored three runs in the first inning off Seattle left-hander Mike Montgomery. Moreland hit an RBI single, and Andrus had a two-run single. Moreland and Andrus each finished with three RBIs.
Holland didn't allow a run until Seattle designated hitter Mark Trumbo homered in the fifth. He allowed just one run -- on a double play -- after the Mariners (56-65) loaded the bases with no outs in the sixth.
Montgomery (4-6) allowed three runs on six hits in six innings. He walked four and struck out three.
NOTES: Texas designated INF Adam Rosales for assignment to make a spot on the 40-man roster for LHP Derek Holland. The backup infield spot for the Rangers will now go to Hanser Alberto, who was recalled from Triple-A Round Rock. ... Rangers OF Josh Hamilton was out of the lineup for a fourth consecutive day. Hamilton hoped to be available for Thursday's game in Detroit, but that now seems unlikely. ... OF Will Venable, whom the Rangers acquired from the San Diego Padres on Tuesday, is expected to join the club Thursday in Detroit. ... Texas RHP Tanner Scheppers was activated from the 15-day disabled list and optioned to Triple-A Round Rock. ... Seattle LHP James Paxton, who has been out of the rotation since May with a strained left middle finger, likely will begin a rehab assignment Sunday for Triple-A Tacoma. ... Mariners LHP Charlie Furbush was scheduled to meet with a team doctor Wednesday to check on his recovery from left biceps tendinitis. Furbush went on the disabled list July 9.