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Kinsler powers Rangers past Orioles

Jul 6, 2008 - 2:59 AM By Sean Burns PA SportsTicker Contributing Writer

BALTIMORE (Ticker) -- Ian Kinsler extended his hitting streak to 17 games and had a two-run, go-ahead home run in the sixth inning as the Texas Rangers posted a 5-3 victory Saturday over the Baltimore Orioles.

Kinsler, who also doubled and scored in the first inning, hit a 3-1 pitch off reliever Lance Cormier into the left field stands to give the Rangers a 4-3 lead. He was the first batter to face Cormier, who relieved starter Brian Burres with two outs.

"I was up there trying to swing aggressively," Kinsler said. "(The pitch) was a good one to hit, so I was trying to put a charge into it and either score (baserunner German Duran from second), or hit it out of the ballpark."

Cormier (1-3) came on after Burres allowed a two-out double to Duran.

"(Kinsler) took some pitches and worked himself into a good count," Cormier said. "He's leading the league in hitting, so you know he's doing something right...I guess I just didn't throw the right pitch."

Scott Feldman (3-3) earned the win for Texas, allowing three runs and five hits in six innings.

Two relievers bridged the gap to C.J. Wilson, who struck out the side in the ninth for his 20th save.

All the damage against Feldman came in the bottom of the first, highlighted by Nick Markakis' two-run double.

"They got to (Feldman) in the first, but he settled down, made his pitches and got out of the inning. That's what we needed from him tonight and that's what we got," Texas manager Ron Washington said.

The righthander then retired nine of 11 batters and eliminated the two walks he allowed with double-play balls.

"I was (mad) coming off after the first, giving up three runs, but then I just tried to focus on getting deep into the game, keeping (Baltimore) close and giving our guys a chance to win the game," Feldman said. "I always think that if I can keep the team within a couple of runs, then I'm doing my job even if I don't have the lead."

Texas' offense connected frequently for hits but struggled to push across runs.

Kinsler led off the game with a double, then scored on Michael Young's single. The Rangers loaded the bases against Burres, but failed to capitalize on the opportunity. They added another run in the second on a double by Duran - who went 3-for-3 - and a single by Josh Hamilton, but again left runners in scoring position.

"I don't mind when we're leaving runners out there, because it means you're getting them on," said Washington, whose team had 14 hits. "Eventually, if you're getting guys on like that, someone's going to explode and instead of scoring five, you're going to blow the game open."

Texas catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia left the game in the sixth inning in the middle of an at-bat after straining a muscle in his right leg. Washington said that the catcher was taken out of the game as a precautionary measure and is day-to-day.