Ian Kinsler started off the Rangers night with a home run in the bottom of the first, then ended the Rangers night with a home run in the bottom of the twelfth, a two-run shot that gave Texas a 5-3 victory over the Twins. He was able to get the game winner due to the Texas bullpen, which held the Twins to two hits over eight innings, walking two and striking out nine. It was an impressive performance to hold Minnesota at bay. Texas scored one in the fifth and one in the seventh to tie the game, then Kinsler’s shot in the 12th. Wilson and Nippert were especially effective, pitching the last four innings and striking out six.
It was a devastating game for Joe Mauer, who went 0 for 6, lowering his batting average to .358. He now trails Ichiro in the batting race by five points.