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McLouth lifts O's over Rangers

Aug 22, 2012 - 5:04 AM Arlington, TX (Sports Network) - Nate McLouth's two-run homer capped the four- run fifth inning the Baltimore Orioles used to down the Texas Rangers, 5-3, in the middle test of a three-game series on Tuesday.

J.J. Hardy and Manny Machado also knocked in runs for the Orioles, who have won three of their last four games.

Chris Tillman (6-2) allowed three runs on six hits and a walk while striking out seven over 6 2/3 innings in the victory. Jim Johnson worked a perfect ninth to secure his 38th save of the year.

"These guys have a great lineup and you have to respect that," Tillman said about the Rangers. "Whether you are ahead, behind, winning the game or losing the game, I think these guys all deserve respect. You have got to pitch them tough."

Scott Feldman (6-9) surrendered five runs -- four earned -- on seven hits and a walk through five innings for Texas, which had its three-game win streak snapped.

Ian Kinsler and Geovany Soto each homered in a losing effort.

Baltimore took a quick lead in the top of the first inning without recording a hit when McLouth worked a two-out walk, advanced to third on Soto's throwing error while stealing second and raced home on a wild pitch.

The Rangers tied the game at 1-1 in the third inning on Kinsler's two-out blast just inside the left-field foul pole.

But the Orioles went back on top in the fifth after Omar Quintanilla reached first on a fielder's choice and rounded the bases on Machado's triple to right-center field.

Two batters later, Hardy slapped a double to right field to plate Machado. McLouth then hammered a ball into the right-field bleachers, handing Baltimore a 5-1 advantage.

"I was close to getting out of it, but I just couldn't really get that final out," Feldman said about the fifth inning.

Soto followed David Murphy's one-out single in the seventh inning with a shot over the left-field wall to bring the Rangers within two, but Pedro Strop left the tying runs on the bases by striking out Josh Hamilton.

Game Notes

Tillman improved to 2-1 in three career starts against the Rangers ... Feldman fell to 4-1 in 12 appearances (six starts) against Baltimore ... Texas went 1- for-3 with runners in scoring position and left seven men on base ... The Orioles went 2-for-3 with runners in scoring position and stranded three.