ARLINGTON -- Joe Nathan had been automatic for the Texas Rangers.
He hadn't blown a save in more than five months, converting a franchise-record 31 consecutive save opportunties. But a struggling Cleveland Indians team got the best of him on his third consecutive night of work.
The Indians rallied from a two-run deficit in the ninth, and avoided a series sweep with a 5-4 victory over the Rangers on Thursday night at Rangers Ballpark.
Texas still maintained a three-game lead in the American League West over Oakland, which lost to third-place Anaheim.
Trailing 4-2 going into the ninth, Indians center fielder Ezequiel Carrera led off with a solo shot to right off Nathan. Pinch-hitter Russ Canzler singled, and then Jason Kipnis ripped a two-run homer to give Cleveland the lead.
Indians closer Chris Perez got the first two outs of the ninth before giving up a triple to Elvis Andrus, who extended his hitting streak against Cleveland to 32 games. But David Murphy struck out to end the game.
Rangers starter Derek Holland took a no-decision, allowing two runs on seven hits with one walk and seven strikeouts over seven innings.
-- Drew Davison
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