Ugly Does The Job As Walk-Off Sac Fly Leads Rangers Over O’s

Arlington, TX (Sports Network) - Nelson Cruz lifted a sacrifice fly to deep center field for the game-winning run in the bottom of the ninth inning, as the Texas Rangers edged the Baltimore Orioles, 4-3, in the opener of a two- game series.

Josh Hamilton homered and Michael Young posted three hits with a run scored for the Rangers, who have won three straight games. Ian Kinsler added an RBI in the win.

Cesar Izturis drove in all three runs for Baltimore, which has dropped four of its last five overall.

The Rangers came to bat in the bottom of the ninth with the score tied 3-3. Baltimore reliever Cla Meredith (0-1) served up a leadoff double to Young and then walked Kinsler. Later in the inning, with the bases loaded after Hamilton had walked, Jason Berken faced Cruz, who powered a fastball to center field and the throw by Adam Jones was not even close as the Rangers celebrated on the field.

The Orioles opened a two-run lead in the top of the second inning. Miguel Tejada and Luke Scott stroked consecutive singles before a two-out base hit by Izturis scored both.

The Rangers moved ahead 3-2 with a pair of runs in the seventh. After Young was intentionally walked to load the bases, a groundout by Kinsler allowed Joaquin Arias to score. Vladimir Guerrero was the next batter and his single brought home Julio Borbon.

However, the visitors knotted the contest in the top of the eighth off Chris Ray. Matt Wieters laced a one-out single, moved to second when Garrett Atkins drew a walk and crossed the plate via the third RBI of the night by Izturis, who lifted a single into center field.

Frank Francisco (5-3), who pitched a scoreless top of the ninth, picked up the win.

Jeremy Guthrie started for Baltimore and allowed one run on seven hits through six innings. Rich Harden opposed Guthrie and turned in 5 1/3 innings while allowing two runs on eight hits with six strikeouts...Both teams posted 11 hits...Izturis increased his season RBI total to nine.