Feldman, Hamilton Lead Rangers Over Padres

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Texas Rangers pitcher Scott Feldman finally got some relief from his nightmare.  After going 0-6, with an ERA over 7, Feldman gets help from the plate as the Rangers beat the Padres 7-3 Tuesday night in San Diego.

Feldman went 6 innings, giving up 2 runs and no walks as he struck out 5 to earn his first win of the season.  Rangers manager Ron Washington was encouraged by what he saw of Feldman, I thought he was good tonight.  He pitched out of situations, kept the ball down in the zone, kept the ball in play … that was a very good outing.”

Josh Hamilton returned to the lineup for Texas after missing 4 games with a stomach virus.  Hamilton had 2 hits, 2 RBIs and scored twice.  “It was cool to get back in the lineup and help the team be productive,” Hamilton said. “It doesn’t take much to spark our offense — it’s always fun to feed off each other.”

Adrian Beltre hit a solo home run in the 7th inning as part of a 3-hit night which saw him go just a triple short of the cycle.  Ian Kinsler and Nelson Cruz each had a pair of hits in the game.  Even Feldman helped his cause with an RBI single in the 6th inning.

The Rangers have won 5 in a row, and hold a 5 game lead in the AL West.  They will remain in San Diego for a 5:35pm game today to try to complete the sweep.  Yu Darvish will be on the mound for Texas.