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Sports

Rangers try to bounce back versus Twins

By Sports Network
Published | Updated

The Texas Rangers try to bounce back in Minnesota on Saturday when they continue a three-game series with the Twins at Target Field.

Texas appeared well on its way to another win in Friday's opener, but it all fell apart in the seventh inning when Yu Darvish went from flirting with another no-hitter to being on the wrong end of the scoreboard, as back- to- back homers by Chris Herrmann and Justin Morneau in the top of the seventh inning lifted the Twins to a 3-2 win.

Darvish (12-6) had struck out 10 through six no-hit innings, but he walked Brian Dozier to start the seventh before Herrmann ripped a two-run shot into the seats in right.

Morneau stepped up next and belted a hanging curveball into the second deck in right for a 3-2 Twins advantage.

"In that situation in the seventh inning, I told myself I can't allow a home run," Darvish said through an interpreter. "As soon as I told myself that, you know what happened."

Jared Burton spun a scoreless eighth and Glen Perkins fired a 1-2-3 ninth to notch his 31st save of the season. Liam Hendriks (1-2) surrendered two runs -- one earned -- on five hits and three walks over six innings for Minnesota, which snapped a five-game losing streak.

"We hung in there against a very, very tough pitcher, I think we all saw that and find a way to win a ballgame," Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said.

Darvish fanned 11 in all, but finished allowing three runs on three hits and two walks over 6 2/3 innings for Texas, which lost for only the fourth time in 11 games. . Getting the call for Texas on Saturday will be righty Matt Garza, who is 3-2 in seven starts since being acquired by the Rangers. Garza, though, lost to Chicago on Sunday, as the White Sox ripped him for five runs (4 earned) and seven hits in seven innings to jump his overall ERA to 4.44.

"I felt I had really good command of everything," Garza said. "I left two pitches up and paid dearly for them, but other than that, I thought I threw well."

The Rangers are 5-2 in Garza's seven starts.

Minnesota, meanwhile, will counter with right-hander Mike Pelfrey, who is 5-10 with a 5.06 ERA. Pelfrey did not get a decision in Cleveland on Sunday, as he allowed just a run and two hits in five innings, but also walked six batters in his team's 3-1 loss.

"Way too many walks. It's pretty embarrassing," Pelfrey said. "I thought it was a wasted day. The ball was moving. I had good stuff. I thought the velocity was there. I just couldn't throw it over the plate."

Minnesota is 3-2 against the Rangers this season.