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Feldman's surprising start powers Rangers past Rays

Aug 31, 2011 - 5:57 AM Arlington, TX (Sports Network) - Scott Feldman's first start of 2011 was a gem, and Josh Hamilton homered as Texas got past Tampa Bay, 2-0, in the first edition of a three-game series.

Feldman (1-0) worked six scoreless innings, scattering two hits and walking one with four strikeouts in an outing designed to give Texas' normal starters an extra day of rest for the stretch run.

Neftali Feliz worked out of a two-on, no-out jam in the ninth to record his 26th save.

David Murphy added two hits, including an RBI single, for the Rangers, who have won three of four and remained 3 1/2 games ahead of the Angels for first in the AL West.

"That kind of lead can be made up in a week, could be made up in three or four days, honestly," Murphy said. "The bottom line is we don't need to get too caught up in that. We just need to worry about playing baseball one day at a time and winning ball games."

Jeremy Hellickson (11-10) allowed six hits and a pair of runs over six full frames for the Rays, who have lost two straight after a three-game win streak.

Tampa Bay didn't go down without a fight against Feliz. Sam Fuld led off with a pinch single and Desmond Jennings walked. Johnny Damon then blooped a ball behind second, where Ian Kinsler failed to make an over-the-shoulder basket grab. He did throw to second in time to retire Jennings on a force, leaving runners on the corners.

Disaster was averted, though, as Evan Longoria grounded into a game-ending 4-6-3 double play.

"We just have to figure out a way to beat some of these pitchers we're facing," stated Rays manager Joe Maddon.

Feldman's lone blemishes were a third-inning single and sixth-inning walk to Sean Rodriguez, and B.J. Upton's fifth-inning base hit.

Hamilton snapped a scoreless deadlock by leading off the home sixth with his 19th home run of the year -- a long blast into the upper deck in right on Hellickson's first offering.

Michael Young followed with a double, Mike Napoli singled, then Murphy's base hit brought in Young for a 2-0 Texas lead. A groundout and intentional walk followed to load the bases, but Endy Chavez grounded into a fielder's choice and Kinsler flied out to end the rally.

Game Notes

Texas, which registered its 16th shutout this year, improved to 43-27 at home, while Tampa fell to 38-30 on the road...Prior to the game, the Rangers placed outfielder Nelson Cruz and pitcher Darren O'Day on the 15-day disabled list, recalled outfielder Leonys Martin from Triple-A Round Rock, purchased the contract of pitcher Mark Hamburger from Round Rock and released pitcher Ryan Tucker.