The Texas Rangers let a win get away Thursday night, giving up three runs in the top of the ninth and losing to Cleveland 5-4. Texas got on the board in the fourth inning, when a Michael Young RBI single and Mitch Moreland fielder's choice gave the Rangers a 2-0 lead. Cleveland evened the score with a Matt LaPorta 2-run home run in the sixth.
The Rangers looked like they had wrapped up a victory when Nelson Cruz reached on an eighth-inning error, bringing home Elvis Andrus with the go-ahead run. Another Michael Young single brought home a second run, giving Texas a 4-2 lead with Joe Nathan headed to the mound. The usually-unflappable closer gave up four consecutive hits in the top of the ninth, including a go-ahead 2-run homer to Jason Kipnis. Elvis Andrus, representing the tying run, hit a two-out triple in the bottom of the ninth, but was left stranded when David Murphy struck out to end the game.
Nathan took the loss, his fourth of the year, and also blew his second save of the year. The blown save wasted a solid performance from Derek Holland, who gave up just 2 runs in 7 innings pitched. Cleveland reliever Scott Maine got the win.
Head over to Lone Star Ball and SB Nation Dallas for more on the Rangers. For the Cleveland perspective, check out Let's Go Tribe and SB Nation Cleveland. Baseball Nation is your source for news and analysis around Major League Baseball. Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel: