The Texas Rangers scored six runs in the eighth inning Thursday to break open a tie game and beat the Minnesota Twins 10-6 in the series opener in Arlington, Texas.
After a one-out double by Adrian Beltre, Nelson Cruz reached on third baseman Trevor Plouffe's fielding error. A double by Mitch Moreland scored Beltre to break a 4-4 tie. An error by shortstop Pedro Florimon allowed Cruz to score and loaded the bases. A walk to Ian Kinsler scored a run and singles by Elvis Andrus and Josh Hamilton drove in three more runs.
Minnesota threatened in the ninth inning, loading the bases with two outs and getting two runs on an error by Andrus, but Texas closer Joe Nathan came in and got the final out.
Twins starter Scott Diamond and manager Ron Gardenhire were ejected in the third inning after Diamond threw a pitch that went over Hamilton's head. Gardenire was ejected after he came out of the dugout to argue.
Jared Burton (1-1) took the loss for Minnesota, giving up six runs (only one of them earned) in 0.2 innings. Mike Adams (3-3) picked up the win for Texas. Plouffe and Jamey Carroll each had three hits for the Twins and Denard Span had two hits.
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