ARLINGTON – Matt Harrison gave up four runs combined in his first three starts. The Tampa Bay Rays scored four off him the first inning and went on to an 8-4 victory over the Rangers on Friday night at Rangers Ballpark. It was the Rangers' worst loss to date.
Harrison gave up a three-run home run to Evan Longoria in the first, and the first six batters reached base safely. The fourth run was scored with an RBI single by B.J. Upton.
The Rays scored a single run in the third and two more in the fourth. In the end, Harrison allowed seven runs (six earned) on 14 hits with one walk and three strikeouts. The 14 hits were the most allowed by Harrison in his career, and matched the Rangers’ franchise record.
It was the most runs Harrison has allowed since Aug. 24, 2011.
That was enough support for Tampa Bay starter James Shields and the bullpen.
The Rangers scored a run in the first, and pulled to within 7-3 in the fifth on a two-run home run by Josh Hamilton. Hamilton sent a missile into the right-center field seats, his ninth homer of the season.
David Murphy had a solo shot in the sixth to make it 8-4, and the Rangers had chances late in the game but never capitalized.
-- Drew Davison
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