Rangers’ Lewis loses flawless game in 8th against Athletics

It was the deepest a Texas starter had carried a ideal game since Yu Darvish went 8 2/3 flawless innings in a start against Houston on April 2, 2013. On Friday, he improved his career record against Oakland to 10-4, including 2-0 with a 1.33 ERA in four starts this season.

ATHLETICS SIXTH: Danny Valencia knocked out RHP Chi Chi Gonzalez with a two-run triple. “One, wanting to pitch in the big leagues, and two, getting a win”. He was promoted twice after beginning his third season in Double-A. It was 9-3 before Blair’s home run.

Friday marked the eighth complete game of Lewis’ career and his third complete game shutout.

His homer came on a curve low in the zone from Gallardo and just cleared the left-field wall.

Offensively, the Rangers were led by Shin-Soo Choo, who went 2-for-4, and catcher Chris Gimenez, who went 2-for-3. He was on base for both of Beltre’s homers, a two-run shot in the fourth and a three-run blast in the fifth. He also struck out three times, but who’s keeping count? He was gone a batter after Beltre’s second homer, when Prince Fielder reached on an infield single.

Arrieta (19-6) won his eighth straight start, allowing six hits with seven strikeouts and two walks to become the first Cubs pitcher to win that many in a row since Milt Pappas won 11 consecutive games in 1972. Hamilton can’r run, but can hit – Martin can’t hit, but can run – eventually. Texas banged out three doubles, continuing their trend of racking up extra-base knocks.

Meanwhile, Beltre and the Rangers can focus on what might be their most important series of the season.

Robertson walked Coco Crisp to bring in a run, and after striking out Smolinski, allowed Sam Fuld’s two-run single and then threw a passed ball to bring in Crisp to even the game and get Gray off the hook.

Mets 5, Braves 1 – Rookie Steven Matz pitched five strong innings, Yoenis Cespedes had a home run and three RBIs and visiting New York took another step toward a division title. The hit was the first for the Athletics in the 4-0 loss to the Rangers.

Bryce Harper struck out swinging three times and stranded four runners as Washington, fading fast in the National League East race, lost to Miami.

Thompson left the game with a hyper-extended left elbow after he dove for Lawrie’s ball in the ninth and landed awkwardly on his left arm. Miguel Rojas followed with a sacrifice fly.

Chavez (7-15) matched Lewis zero for zero in innings two through six. Lewis is 9-4 along with a a minimum of three.08 Phase over 146.a innings against his former crew, the second-lowest Period against any assailant for Lewis (bare minimum 15 innings leaning). The Rangers remained a game ahead of Minnesota for the second wild card.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Tampa Bay rallied for five runs in the eighth inning to top Boston.

Napoli hit.207 this season for Boston.

RANGERS SIXTH: Choo drove in a second run with a single.