Josh Hamilton delivered for the Rangers in the seventh inning, as the Rangers built on the lead that Mike Napoli gave them.
With the bases loaded and two outs, Hamilton smacked an 0-1 pitch from left handed reliever J.P. Howell into right field, scoring two runs and giving the Rangers a 4-1 lead.
Tampa Bay’s starter David Price was chased after giving up a two out single to Craig Gentry. Rays manager Joe Maddon elected to bring in Brandon Gomes, who allowed Gentry to steal second before walking Ian Kinsler. Gentry and Kinsler then stole second and third before Gomes walked Elvis Andrus, loading the bases for Hamilton.
Gomes failed to record an out for the Rays, issuing two walks before being pulled in favor of Howell.
Maddon brought in Howell to have the lefty-on-lefty matchup against Hamilton, but Hamilton’s single thwarted Maddon’s efforts.
The Rangers now lead the Rays 4-1 headed into the bottom half of the seventh.