|
 Keuchel, a Cy Young candidate, gave up nine earned runs and three of
the five home runs the Rangers smashed in their 16-hit performance.
The Rangers wasted no time in getting to Keuchel (17-8), scoring six
runs in the first inning, with left fielder Mike Napoli hitting a
three-run homer and second baseman Rougned Odor adding a two-run
shot.
Designated hitter Prince Fielder hit two of the Rangers' five
homers, including a solo shot off Keuchel in the third inning and a
three-run shot in the sixth off Michael Feliz.
"You saw some big hitters on a mission," Texas manager Jeff Banister
said. "We talked about the big man in the middle (Fielder) and how
he was close.
"He wasn't close tonight, he was a man on a mission, getting out
front and showing what he can be in that batter's box for us."
Keuchel gave up 11 hits in his 4-2/3 innings.
"I know the guys were leaning on me to go out there and perform,"
Keuchel said. "When I looked at their lineup and saw four lefties in
there, I kind of get excited, because I don't normally face a lot of
lefties.
"Knock on wood, I've been pretty good against them. And then they
are hitting everything out of the ballpark. It's frustrating but
they're a hot team."
Texas left-hander Martin Perez (3-5) scattered nine hits over his
seven innings of work and gave up just one run as he took advantage
of the offense behind him.
[to top of second column] |
"I threw strikes and got ahead of hitters," Perez said. "I just felt
comfortable out there.
"We're in first place, but we've got to keep fighting and don't give
a chance to any of the teams behind us. We've got to win every day."
Houston got three hits from designated hitter Evan Gattis, who hit a
two-run homer in the eighth.
"It was a rough night to say the least," Houston manager A.J. Hinch
said.
"We've got to wash this one away and try to salvage a game out of
this series and get home to Houston.
"It was a difficult night for Dallas, a difficult night for our
team. Everything that seemed to go right was on their side of the
ball."
(Compiled by Greg Stutchbury)
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