KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Matt Harrison gave the beleaguered Texas pitching staff a strong start, Mitch Moreland hit a three-run homer and the Rangers defeated the Kansas City Royals 5-3 on Friday night.
The Rangers starters had allowed at least six runs in the previous four games, but Harrison (13-6) held the Royals to two runs and eight hits in 6 2-3 innings. Harrison, who went 1-3 in July, walked three and struck out three, departing after 109 pitches.
Moreland’s home run in the seventh inning came off Royals lefty relief specialist Jose Mijares, who had not yielded a home run to a left-handed hitter this season. Moreland hit an 0-2 pitch out to right with Michael Young and Geovany Soto aboard.
Jeremy Guthrie (3-11) held the Rangers to three runs and six hits over six-plus innings.
