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RECAP
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BOX SCORE
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GAME LOG
ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) – Minnesota utility infielder Jason
Maxwell makes the most of his opportunities against Texas.
|  | | Jason Maxwell took advantage of a rare start by getting three hits and scoring a run. |
Getting a rare start at second base Sunday Maxwell had the third
three-hit game of his career – all against Texas – and drove in two
runs as the Twins beat the Rangers 6-3.
"I don't think so," Maxwell said, chuckling when asked about
being a Ranger-killer. "I was just fortunate enough to come
through and get a couple of hits when they counted. It was a big
game."
Twins manager Tom Kelly said he gave Maxwell an opportunity to
play for just the 14th time in 54 games this season because he
matched up well against Rangers starter Rick Helling (3-7).
"We thought Maxie had a chance to do well against Helling
because he's a high-ball pitcher. Maxie has a better chance against
that type of guy," Kelly said. "We got him in there and he
responded. It's nice to see a guy come off the bench and contribute
that way."
After Texas took the lead on Gabe Kapler's RBI double in the
first, the Twins went ahead in the second on RBI singles by
Maxwell, Tom Prince and Cristian Guzman off Helling.
Maxwell's single with one out came a pitch after Rangers first
baseman Andres Galarraga was charged with an error after misplaying
a foul pop near the bag.
Maxwell, whose other three-hit games came last year, added an
RBI double in the third that scored Matt Lawton to make it 4-1.
Lawton had four hits including an RBI single in the ninth.
Minnesota had 15 hits, with third baseman Corey Koskie the only
starter to go hitless.
Torii Hunter hit a solo homer, his eighth, in the seventh.
Eric Milton (6-3) allowed three runs and six hits in seven
innings to win for the first time in four starts. He struck out
seven and walked none, retiring 14 of the last 15 he faced after
allowing a two-run homer in the third.
"I made a mistake and wanted to make sure I didn't make a
mistake again," Milton said. "I got in a little groove and I was
able to locate my pitches a little better and get on a roll."
Helling, who had won his last two starts after going winless the
previous five, allowed a career-high 13 hits over seven innings. He
struck out five, walked two and gave up five runs, just three of
them earned.
"With a (windy) day like today, it's hard to get your pitches.
I knew it would be tough," Helling said. "There weren't a lot of
opportunities to score. Milton had a good game and didn't make any
mistakes."
Eddie Guardado came on with two on and two out in the ninth and
struck out pinch-hitter Rafael Palmeiro for his second save.
Kapler drove in all three Texas runs. After Alex Rodriguez hit a
two-out single in the first, Kapler broke an 0-for-11 slump with
his double. Rodriguez had another two-out single in the third and
Kapler followed with his eighth homer to make it 4-3.
Texas manager Jerry Narron, in his 27th game since taking over
after Johnny Oates resigned May 4, was ejected for the first time.
Narron argued after Guzman was called safe on a bunt with one
out in the sixth inning. Galarraga fielded the ball near the line
and made a sweeping tag attempt, but Guzman slid head first into
the bag.
Game notes
Twins 1B Doug Mientkiewicz caught a ball off his face in
the third. On Rusty Greer's popup, he went into foul territory.
After misjudging the gusty wind, he charged forward, the ball
clipped the top of his glove, hit off his face and then cradled in
his arm for the out as he fell to the ground. ... Rodriguez has
started all 55 games, one of only 13 players and the only Ranger to
start every game defensively. He has started 118 consecutive games
since last July 24. ... Twins DH Chad Allen left the game with a
strained left quadriceps muscle. He sustained the injury running
out a double n the second, but then walked in the third before
being lifted in the fifth. ... Minnesota won its 13th series, a
mark it didn't reach until July 25 last year. ... The Rangers
passed the 1 million mark in home attendance, joining San
Francisco, Colorado, Seattle and St. Louis over 1 million.
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OTHER GAMES
Baseball Scoreboard
Minnesota Clubhouse
Texas Clubhouse
RECAPS
Cleveland 4
NY Yankees 3
Boston 5
Toronto 4
Chi. White Sox 9
Detroit 6
Minnesota 6
Texas 3
Anaheim 7
Kansas City 2
Oakland 5
Baltimore 1
Seattle 8
Tampa Bay 4
Montreal 10
Philadelphia 3
Atlanta 11
Pittsburgh 7
Atlanta 8
Pittsburgh 3
(2nd game)
Milwaukee 4
Chicago Cubs 2
Los Angeles 9
Houston 8
Colorado 11
San Francisco 2
Florida 1
NY Mets 0
Arizona 8
San Diego 4
St. Louis 4
Cincinnati 3
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