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Cruz goes for history as red-hot Rangers take on Mariners

Apr 5, 2011 - 2:25 PM (Sports Network) - Nelson Cruz tries to etch his name in the record books this evening, when the Texas Rangers continue their three-game set against the Seattle Mariners at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington.

Cruz has homered in each of the Rangers' first four games, joining Willie Mays (1971) and Mark McGwire (1998) as the only players to start a season like that. Texas as a team has belted 13 home runs and is off to its first 4-0 beginning since winning its first seven games in 1996.

On Monday, Elvis Andrus also homered and Texas rolled to a 6-4 win in its opener with the Mariners.

Derek Holland (1-0) worked six innings for the victory, allowing three runs on seven hits and a walk while striking out five for the reigning American League champions. Neftali Feliz pitched a perfect ninth for his first save.

"He hit his spots, changed speed and got his pitches in the strike zone," said Texas manager Ron Washington of Holland. "He bent and didn't break and handled himself very well out there."

After sweeping the Boston Red Sox in three games to open the season, the Rangers have outscored their opponents by a 32-15 margin so far. Cruz, of course, is a big reason why, as he is 6-for-14 with four home runs, four RBI and five runs scored.

Texas scored five of its runs -- three of which were earned -- off Seattle starter Erik Bedard, who pitched for the first time in almost two years and took the loss in five innings.

Coming back from shoulder surgery that's kept him sidelined since July of 2009, Bedard (0-1) yielded four hits and two walks while striking out three.

"It's been a while and I've had a rough couple years with the injuries," said Bedard. "I'm just glad to be back out on the mound and I want to do the best that I can."

Milton Bradley went 3-for-4 with two runs scored for the Mariners, who have dropped two straight since opening the season with back-to-back wins over Oakland.

Tonight Texas turns to righty Alexi Ogando, who will be making his first big- league start. Ogando spent his rookie season of 2010 in the bullpen, going 4-1 with a 1.30 ERA that was the lowest ever by a Rangers pitcher with at least 40 innings pitched.

Seattle, meanwhile, will counter with a young righty of its own in 22-year-old top prospect Michael Pineda. In 139 1/3 minor league innings last season, Pineda went 11-4 with a 3.36 ERA and 154 strikeouts.

Pineda was impressive in the Cactus League as well this spring, as he pitched to a 2.12 ERA and struck out 15 batters in 17 innings.

Texas was 12-7 against the Mariners last season.