Sweep - Texas Finishes Off Florida 6-4

Despite an early three-run deficit, the Rangers came back to secure their second road sweep of the season behind three RBI from Ian Kinsler (above). (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

After spot-starter Dustin Nippert struggled through three innings, it appeared as though the Texas Rangers (38-28) may finally lose another game on this road trip. Fortunately for Texas, the bullpen picked up the slack, pitching six innings of two-hit, one run baseball, and Ian Kinsler broke out of his slump with three RBI as the Rangers completed the sweep against the Florida Marlins (31-35).

"It's the toughest sweep in the big leagues," said Kinsler, who knocked in two of his runs on a double in the fifth, capping a three-run inning that put Texas ahead for good at 4-3. "It takes some luck. It's nice to get on a roll on the road."

Alexi Ogando (W, 2-0) got his second win in his first five days in the Majors, pitching 2 1-3 innings of no-hit baseball. Ogando did allow three walks, but also struck out four batters.

"This is something incredible," said Ogando. "Five days in the Major Leagues and two victories."

Nippert, making his first start of the season due to Tommy Hunter's hip flexor injury and subsequent shortened start, gave up three runs on seven hits in only three innings of work as he didn't seem to have his best stuff on this day - although he did strike out four batters. Neftali Feliz pitched for the second straight day, a perfect ninth inning for his American League leading 18th save of the season.

Texas is now 10 games over .500 for the first time all season long and have begun to find a groove on the road in recent weeks. The Rangers now travel about 240 miles south to Houston to take on a struggling Astros team for a shiny boot. It's not just any boot, however, it's the 100 percent worthless Silver Boot and it goes to the winner of the season series.

Houston is 26-41 this season which is tied for the third-most losses for any team so far. The game is scheduled for a 7:05 p.m. start time. Scott Feldman (4-6, 5.28 ERA) gets the nod for the Rangers while Wandy Rodriguez (3-9, 5.60) takes the hill for the Astros.

News and Notes:

• Vladimir Guerrero hit his 15th home run of the season for the Rangers first run of the game in the fourth inning, tying his total from last season.

(Portions of this article were taken from The Associated Press)