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 Unlike the previous two games in Houston, the Rangers dropped one
Monday against a club long since eliminated from the playoff race.
The Detroit Tigers held on to down Texas 7-4 in the opener of a
three-game series at Globe Life Park.
Starting pitcher Justin Verlander (5-8) worked six solid innings and
left fielder Tyler Collins added a three-run homer for the Tigers,
who snapped a three-game losing streak and improved to 73-83.
The Rangers (84-72) entered the day with a 2 1/2 game lead over the
Astros in the AL West and with a magic number of five. Houston was
playing late Monday night in Seattle.
The Rangers hadn't lost three in a row since Aug. 9-12. They need to
win Tuesday to avoid their first four-game skid since before the
All-Star break.
"We have six games left," Texas starter Colby Lewis said after a
rare off night. "It's as important as any other time. I feel like
we've done a pretty good job of not putting pressure on ourselves."
Lewis, seeking his 18th win, was shelled and couldn't get out of the
fifth. Lewis (17-9) lost for the first time in four outings.
The Rangers managed only six hits against Verlander, who struck out
five and only allowed designated hitter Prince Fielder's home run
early. Fielder added a run-scoring groundout in the seventh.
Fielder came up with the bases loaded and one out in the ninth and
Texas trailing 7-2. Former Rangers closer Neftali Feliz was summoned
and, after an extended battle with Fielder, gave up a two-run single
to center.
Feliz ended the game and picked up his fourth save with Detroit with
a double-play ground ball from third baseman Adrian Beltre.
"The ninth wasn't exactly how you want it to go," Tigers manager
Brad Ausmus said.
The Tigers took a 1-0 lead in the third as Lewis walked first
baseman Miguel Cabrera with the bases loaded and two outs. Lewis had
a chance to get out of the inning unscathed, but hit left fielder
Tyler Collins before facing Cabrera.
Rangers designated hitter Prince Fielder made it 1-1 with a solo
home run to lead off the fourth off Verlander. Texas then loaded the
bases with none out, but Verlander escaped without giving up another
run.
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"Probably the biggest part of the ballgame when you look back on
it," Texas manager Jeff Banister said. "Not being able to push a run
or two across in that opportunity was crucial."
Collins drilled a three-run shot down the right-field line in the
top of the fifth off Lewis to make it 4-1. Lewis was pulled after
giving up a two-out, two-run single to catcher James McCann.
Texas manager Jeff Banister had actually gone to the mound after the
previous hitter, third baseman Nick Castellanos, doubled. Banister,
who usually trots out to yank pitchers, left Lewis in and McCann
upped Detroit's lead to 6-1.
Banister didn't regret sticking with Lewis.
"What's going through my mind is what our best option is," Banister
said. "You can look at the numbers from the guy and come up with
your conclusion on what he's meant for us all year long, how he's
made big pitches for us in situations like."
NOTES: Major League Baseball moved the starting time of Saturday's
game between Texas and the Los Angeles Angels at Globe Life Park in
Arlington to 12:05 p.m. CT. The game may be televised nationally.
... Texas is one of four teams with at least six winning records in
the last seven years, joining the Yankees, Cardinals and Dodgers.
... Detroit clinched its first losing season in seven years. ...
Tigers C James McCann entered the game having not committed an error
in his first 114 games played as a catcher in the majors. According
to the Elias Sports Bureau, the streak is a modern major league
record (since 1900).
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