Thursday, June 14, 2012

Rangers' Lewis dominates Diamondbacks

Associated Press Sports

updated 10:14 p.m. ET June 12, 2012

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) - Colby Lewis retired the first 16 batters and finished with a four-hitter Tuesday night, leading the Texas Rangers over the Arizona Diamondbacks 9-1.

Lewis (5-5) struck out seven and walked one as Texas ended Arizona's five-game winning streak.

Lewis did not permit a runner until Aaron Hill hit a one-out single to left field on an 0-2 pitch in the sixth inning.

Ian Kennedy (5-6) gave up six runs and 10 hits in 5 2-3 innings. He arrived in Texas on a private plane earlier in the day after wife Allison gave birth to their second daughter, Renee Elaine, on Sunday.

Arizona's Paul Goldschmidt went 0 for 3, ending his career-high 17-game hitting streak that was the longest active string in the NL. He six home runs and nine doubles in that span.

Lewis' start marked the most consecutive batters retired to start a game by a Rangers pitcher since Kenny Rogers pitched seven perfect innings on August 9, 2002, at Cleveland.

And Lewis' effort was a much-welcomed sight for a Texas pitching roster that's taken its hits over the last three weeks. The Rangers have put Derek Holland, Neftali Feliz and Alexi Ogando on the disabled list in that time.

Lewis threw 105 pitches, helping the Rangers start a stretch where they have 16 of their next 19 games at home. Texas was coming off a 10-game, 10-day road trip where it went 4-6.

Arizona, playing in Arlington for the first time since 2006, did little against Lewis. Miguel Montero spoiled Lewis' shutout bid with a home run in the eighth.

Ian Kinsler hit a leadoff double in the Texas first and later scored on a wild pitch.

The Rangers broke it open with a five-run sixth. With two outs, Michael Young doubled and David Murphy - starting in right field for an ill Nelson Cruz - hit a home run. Mitch Moreland and Craig Gentry added RBI doubles and Kinsler singled in a run.

Texas tacked on two more runs in the seventh. In the eighth, Elvis Andrus tripled and scored on Josh Hamilton's single.

NOTES: Rangers manager Ron Washington said of Cruz: "He had a virus. He came in looking real bad. We gave him some medication and sent him home." ... The Rangers signed their first five picks, who were all among the top 93 choices, from the June draft. They were first-round selection Lewis Brinson; supplemental first-rounders Joey Gallo and Collin Wiles; and second-round picks Jamie Jarmon and Nick Williams.

? 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


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