Texas Rangers left-hander Derek Holland to return from DL on Wednesday

It was bunting at the hitters’ paradise that is Globe Life Park in Arlington that started all of his struggles in the ninth and ultimately led to Seattle’s 4-3 walkoff defeat against the Rangers. The Rangers had less than 20,000 in attendance for the series openers against the Mariners Monday night. He also had a pair of RBI doubles. Left fielder Franklin Gutierrez doubled to score Seager, leaving runners at second and third with one out. With Taijuan Walker set to face Cole Hamels in the pitching matchup, the total is currently sitting at 8.5 runs.

“We had opportunities to drive in runs; we didn’t get it done”, McClendon said. Good defense. We’ve beat the ball around a little, and we’ve played small ball.

Strausborger surprised everyone with a push bunt up the first-base line just out of the reach of Rodney, who couldn’t quite grab it as he came off the mound. Rodney hit Shin-soo Choo with a pitch to load the bases. Prince Fielder struck out, but Beltre walked on five pitches – and it was over. Tom Wilhelmsen and Fernando Rodney finished up the game on the hill for the M’s and Rodney, unimpressively gave up a run to end things in the bottom of the ninth inning. “That’s baseball”.

Since joining the Rangers, Hamels is 0-1 with a 5.23 ERA in three starts.

Hamels, back after missing his previous turn in the rotation with a groin injury, has yet to win a game since being traded to Texas.

Hamels allowed three runs on seven hits in seven innings.

It was the Mariners’ ninth walk-off loss of the season, which leads all American League teams and is tied with Cincinnati for the most in the majors.

Hamels said he felt the muscle grab during his last start, when he allowed four runs on eight hits over six innings in the Rangers’ 4-3 loss to the Mariners.

The Mariners are 5-1 in their last 6 vs. a team with a winning record and 10-2 in Walkers last 12 starts. “After I showed that I could throw my curveball for strikes, that was another pitch they had to look for”. “That’s something that I definitely have to work on”.

Josh Hamilton missed his second consecutive game with a sore left knee. He is scheduled to throw again Wednesday and Friday, increasing the distance.