ARLINGTON, Texas -- The Seattle Mariners stepped over the Texas Rangers and out of the American League West cellar with a 3-1 victory before 19,748 Monday night at Globe Life Park. The start of the game was delayed 55 minutes by rain.
How it Happened: On a day that marked the return of Josh Hamilton to the Rangers organization, another former outfielder from Texas’ glory days drove home the run that gave Seattle a lead it would not relinquish. Nelson Cruz's single to right field produced his 21st RBI of the season in a two-run first inning. Seattle starter and winner Taijuan Walker came into the game with an 0-2 record and a 10.66 ERA, but limited Texas to one unearned run and six hits in seven innings. The Rangers put two on base against closer Fernando Rodney in the ninth but failed to score.
Free passes costly: All three walks issued by Rangers starter Yovani Gallardo, including two to start the game, turned into Seattle runs. Gallardo allowed only three hits, all singles, in six innings. He left trailing 3-1.
Choo’s struggles: Right fielder Shin-Soo Choo came into the game next to last in batting among all major league hitters (minimum 40 at-bats) with a .104 average. He went 0-for-3 to extend his hitless streak to 22 at-bats. His batting average fell to .096 after a ninth-inning strikeout.
Defensive gem: Adrian Beltre ended the Mariners seventh with an alert double play. After snagging a sharply hit grounder by Mike Zunino, the Rangers third baseman alertly spotted Brad Miller speeding from second to third. Beltre raced forward to apply the tag and then completed the double play with a throw to first.
What’s next: In Game 2 of the series, set for 7:05 p.m. CT Tuesday, the Rangers’ Ross Detwiler (0-2, 10.95 ERA) will be opposed by J.A. Happ (1-1, 2.61 ERA).