ARLINGTON, Texas -- The Texas Rangers ran their winning streak to five with a 6-3 victory over the Chicago White Sox on Saturday night at Globe Life Park.
The comeback of Colby Lewis was the big story. Lewis got the win in his second start since last pitching in the majors in July 2012 -- sidelined by hip and elbow surgeries.
Lewis got a warm ovation, with many of the 44,811 fans at Globe Life Park standing when manager Ron Washington made the call to a reliever with one out in the sixth.
Lewis had great command, throwing strikes on 59 of his 85 pitches. He walked one and left with a 5-1 lead. The most impressive aspect of his night was allowing only one run in the second inning after the Sox loaded the bases with no outs. A double-play ball by Alexei Ramirez and a strikeout of Tyler Flowers limited the damage.
Good ole Mr. Wilson: The key hit of the night belonged to Josh Wilson. The Rangers second baseman, batting at the bottom of the order, lined a two-out, two-run single to left field in the fourth inning to increase the Texas lead to 4-1. Wilson scored a few moments later on a double by Shin-Soo Choo.
Closing shop: Alexi Ogando scuffled in the eighth inning, allowing two runs, but otherwise, it was another solid night for the Rangers' bullpen. With the potential tying run on base, Ogando was able to induce Ramirez to ground into his second double play of the night.
Prince finds HR porch: The fourth inning was a very good one for Prince Fielder. After a couple of nice defensive plays in the top of the inning, Fielder led off with his second home run of the season to stake the Rangers to a 2-1 lead. Texas went on to score three more in the frame. Fielder's home run into the lower deck of the right-field stands traveled an estimated 388 feet.
Strong D: Perhaps overlooked this homestand -- since the three-error game on Monday against the Seattle Mariners -- has been solid defensive play by the Rangers. No infielder has been charged with an error since Monday. The Rangers' overall errorless streak of 29 innings ended in the fourth on an errant throw by catcher Robinson Chirinos. Standout catches were made by Alex Rios and Leonys Martin.
Kouz goes deep: Kevin Kouzmanoff extended his hit streak to 10 games by hitting his second home run of the season to lead off the eighth. He’s hit safely in every game since joining the team.
Quick start: For the third straight game and the fourth time this homestand, the Rangers grabbed a lead in the first inning. The first three batters hit safely. Rios, playing against his former team, delivered the RBI with an opposite-field double. Rios, who finished with three hits, had said the previous night after a 12-run outburst that hitting is contagious.
No challenge: A couple of close out calls on Rangers baserunners gave Washington thought of using the new challenge system. Elvis Andrus was tagged out in a rundown at first base in the first inning, and Martin was caught stealing an inning later. In both cases, Washington refrained, but he did have a chat with umpire John Tumpane on the Martin call.
Up next: The Rangers send Robbie Ross (1-0, 1.00 ERA) to the mound in the conclusion of the 10-game homestand on Sunday. He will be opposed by Erik Johnson (0-1, 6.35 ERA) in a 2:05 start on KLIF 570 and Fox Sports Southwest.