Ranger Pitchers Do Their Part

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The Texas Rangers were more than just an offensive power Saturday night.

Esteban Loaiza and three relievers combined on a five-hitter and Lee Stevens and Ivan Rodriguez homered for the second consecutive game as the Rangers beat the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, 5-3, for their seventh consecutive victory.

Loaiza, Mike Venafro, Jeff Zimmerman and John Wetteland limited the Devil Rays to only one hit after the second inning as the Rangers battled back from an early 3-0 deficit.

“When this ballclub gets down two or three runs, they know the game is still in front of them,” Texas Manager Johnny Oates said. “They know what they’re capable of doing.”

After giving up three runs and four hits in the opening two innings, Loaiza (2-1)--who went five innings--retired 10 in a row before walking Bubba Trammell and Fred McGriff with one out in the fifth.