ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Yu Darvish pitched 7 2-3 strong innings and Adrian Beltre had a two-run homer to help the Texas Rangers beat the Oakland Athletics 4-1 on Wednesday night.
Darvish (6-1) gave up one run and four hits while striking out seven to win his sixth game in seven decisions. After giving up a run in the first, Darvish settled down and retired 11 of the last 15 batters he faced. He lowered his ERA to 2.60.
Mike Adams struck out Johnny Gomes, who represented the tying run, for the final out in the eighth. Joe Nathan struck out the side in the ninth his eighth save.
Craig Gentry and Elvis Andrus each had two hits, including run-scoring singles in a decisive fourth inning.
Oakland rookie pitcher Tommy Milone (5-3) gave up four runs in seven innings, holding the Rangers’ offense down until the fourth.
