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Rangers beat Twins to earn split in series

Jul 29, 2011 - 5:21 AM Arlington, TX (Sports Network) - Mitch Moreland and Michael Young both posted two hits and an RBI as Texas topped Minnesota, 4-1, in the finale of a four- game series.

Josh Hamilton added three hits and Chris Davis knocked in a run for the Rangers, who shook off a two-game losing skid and earned a split.

Matt Harrison (9-7) allowed one run on eight hits in 7 1/3 innings for the win. Neftali Feliz turned in a perfect ninth for his 21st save.

"The pitching staff did a good job and we played good defense to grind out a win," Rangers manager Ron Washington said.

Jim Thome notched a pair of hits and drove in the only run for the Twins, who have dropped five of eight. Scott Baker (8-6) allowed eight hits and two runs over seven full frames in defeat.

"They're a tough team. I think they're the team to beat," Baker said of the reigning American League champions.

Clinging to a one-run lead, the Rangers provided some insurance in their final at-bat.

Phil Dumatrait spelled Baker and retired the first two batters, but Hamilton ripped a triple to right and Young was given a free pass. Nelson Cruz hit a grounder to third, but Minnesota's Danny Valencia threw high and wide to home, allowing Hamilton to score. Moreland followed with a base hit to plate Young for a 4-1 game.

The Rangers snapped the scoreless deadlock in the fourth as Elvis Andrus, Hamilton and Young hit consecutive singles to bring in a run.

It was 2-0 for the home team in the fifth when Yorvit Torrealba stroked a leadoff double and scored when Davis followed with a base hit.

Thome singled home Joe Mauer in the sixth.

Game Notes

Despite the setback, Minnesota won five of eight in the season series...Harrison improved to 3-0 in five July starts...Twins first baseman Michael Cuddyer went 2-for-4 on Thursday, upping his mark against Texas this season to 14-for-29. with four doubles, three homers, 11 RBI and seven runs scored.