Wed Jul 9 00:18:02 2008

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Harrison shines in big league debut; Rangers nip Angels

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Arlington, TX (Sports Network) - Matt Harrison won in his major league debut and Josh Hamilton drove in the go-ahead run in the sixth inning, as the Rangers edged the Angels, 3-2, in the second installment of a four-game series.

Hamilton drove in two runs for Texas, which won for the third time in four games. Chris Davis homered for the Rangers, who bounced back form a 9-6 defeat on Monday. Ian Kinsler doubled in the sixth to extend his hitting streak to a career-high 20 games.

Harrison (1-0), who was recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma, allowed five hits and two runs, while logging a walk and a strikeout over seven innings. Eddie Guardado threw the eighth and C.J. Wilson worked out of trouble in the ninth for his 22nd save.

Joe Saunders (12-5) was saddled with the loss despite going eight innings, surrendering six hits and three runs. He didn't walk a batter and had five strikeouts, but the All-Star didn't get enough run support.

Garret Anderson had a two-run single for the Angels, who lost for just the second time in seven contests.

Davis homered to center with two outs in the fifth to tie the game, and the Rangers went ahead in the next inning. Kinsler led off with a double to right, and one out later Hamilton singled up the middle.

The Angels had a golden opportunity to tie the game or go ahead in the ninth. Vladimir Guerrero singled with one out and Torii Hunter walked. Howie Kendrick beat out a potential double play ball, leaving runners on the corners. Kendrick swiped second base before Anderson was intentionally walked to load the bases. However, pinch-hitter Juan Rivera grounded out sharply to second baseman Kinsler to end the game.

Michael Young tripled and scored on a Hamilton sacrifice fly in the first inning before the Angels went ahead on Anderson's hit in the fifth.

Game Notes

The start of the game was delayed 56 minutes by rain...To make room for Harrison on the roster, the Rangers placed pitcher Eric Hurley on the 15-day disabled list due to a strained left hamstring...Young has a 10-game hitting streak.