Iwakuma Helps Seattle Stop Texas 3-2
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ARLINGTON (AP) - The Texas Rangers still haven't figured out Seattle's Hisashi Iwakuma.
The Mariners right-hander didn't make history Tuesday night with a second consecutive no-hitter, but he limited Texas to two runs and five hits over seven innings in a 3-2 victory.
He is 6-0 in his last seven starts against the Rangers.
"He was pitching everything down," said Texas' Rougned Odor, who had two hits, including his ninth home run of the season. "Fastball and split and slider. He did a good job."
The Rangers ended Iwakuma's bid for another no-hitter with Shin-Soo Choo's one-out single in the first inning but saw their winning streak end at five games. Texas fell to four games out of first place in the American League West. The Rangers went into Tuesday one game out of the second wild-card spot.
Texas is 27-33 against teams below .500, including 3-8 against the Mariners.
"I think we pose problems to other clubs, also," Rangers manager Jeff Banister said. "I think it's a situation that there are times the matchups are not in your favor."
Texas rookie right-hander Chi Chi Gonzalez (2-5) set a career high with seven strikeouts and allowed three runs and five hits in six innings. All of Seattle's scoring came in the first inning on three extra-base hits, including Seth Smith's 10th home run of the season.
Gonzalez won his first two starts after his initial call up in late May. Since then, he has five losses and a no-decision.
"I'm not happy, but I went six (innings)," Gonzalez said. "Got me two (runs). Just couldn't get that third one."
After the game, Gonzalez was optioned to Triple-A Round Rock with left-hander Derek Holland coming off the disabled list and starting Wednesday for the first time since April 10.
Odor hit nine homers last season in 114 games and needed 81 games to do so this year. Since his recall from Round Rock on June 15, he's hitting .342 with eight homers.
Odor represented the tying run in the seventh inning when he was thrown out by Jesus Sucre trying to get to second on a pitch out for the third out.
"That was a great play," Iwakuma said. "The game was on the line there. 'Succy' made a great throw."
Choo has reached safely in 23 starts following the All-Star break, hitting .333 during that span.
HELP ON THE WAY
The Rangers acquired OF Will Venable from San Diego for minor league C-OF Marcus Greene and a player to be named. The trade comes with OF Josh Hamilton sitting out with a sore left knee since Sunday. Texas general manager Jon Daniels said the club sought outfield depth overall, but Hamilton's situation played a role in the trade. Venable and Hamilton are left-handed hitters.
SPIETH DELIVERS STRIKE
Dallas' Jordan Spieth, the world's No. 1-ranked golfer, threw out the ceremonial first pitch two days after his runner-up finish at the PGA Championship. "As long as you don't bounce it, I think it was a success," Spieth said. "And got it over the strike zone, too, so that was nice."
TRAINER'S ROOM
Mariners: LHP Charlie Furbush was scheduled to see a doctor Tuesday in Seattle. Furbush experienced biceps discomfort last Saturday in the bullpen in Boston and was sent home.
Rangers: Banister said he hopes C Robinson Chirinos (left shoulder strain) can begin a rehab assignment next week.
UP NEXT
Mariners: LHP Mike Montgomery (4-5) allowed nine runs and two homers in only 2 1-3 innings last Friday in Boston. He hasn't won in his last seven starts.
Rangers: Holland will make his first appearance after throwing only nine pitches in the home opener before being sidelined with a torn muscle behind his throwing shoulder. "I know what I need to do, and I'm ready to go," he said.
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