The Texas Rangers jumped out to a three-run lead and held on for a 3-2 victory over the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field on Sunday. With the win, the Rangers maintained their four-game lead over the Oakland Athletics in the American League West.
Designated hitter Mike Napoli put Texas on the board with a solo home run in the top of the fourth inning. Two batters later, catcher Geovany Soto hit a two run homer, scoring left fielder David Murphy. Napoli was 2 for 3, and Soto finished the day 1 for 4.
Right fielder Eric Thames and shortstop Brendan Ryan hit solo homers in the bottom of the seventh to pull Seattle within a run. The Mariners loaded the bases in the eighth but couldn't tie the game.
Ryan Dempster allowed two runs on six hits in 6⅔ innings to improve to 7-2 with Texas. Joe Nathan allowed a hit and struck out two in the ninth to earn his 35th save.
Jason Vargas dropped to 14-11 with the loss. Vargas gave up three runs on eight hits in six innings.
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