Arlington, TX (Sports Network) – Jayson Nix recorded his second career multi- homer game, and the Indians scored in six straight innings to notch a 9-3 victory over the Texas Rangers in the first of a three-game series.
Nix, who now has 16 career home runs in parts of three seasons with three different clubs, last hit two homers in the same game on May 26, 2009 against the Angels while with the White Sox. Carlos Santana and Matt LaPorta each added a home run, as the Indians recorded a season-high with four in a game.
Jason Donald finished with a career-high four hits, an RBI and a run scored, while Joe Smith (1-1) got the win after pitching 1 2/3 scoreless innings. Aaron Laffey started and gave up two runs - one earned -, five hits and three walks in 4 1/3 frames — throwing 101 pitches.
The Indians have now won seven of nine overall.
Ian Kinsler went 2-for-3 with an RBI for the Rangers, who have scored three or fewer runs in five straight games — a season-high. Omar Beltre (0-1) allowed four runs and four hits through three innings of his second career MLB start, also Texas’ fourth loss in five games.