Philadelphia Phillies vs Texas Rangers Match Player Stats On May 18, 2017

The Sports Xchange
May 18, 2017

ARLINGTON, Texas -- Ryan Rua highlighted a five-run bottom of the fifth inning with a three-run home run and the Texas Rangers extended their winning streak to nine games with an 8-4 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies on Thursday afternoon.

Texas completed a perfect homestand and moved two games over .500 (22-20) after facing a two-run deficit.

Robinson Chirinos and Rougned Odor preceded Rua's home run off Joely Rodriguez (1-2) with RBI singles. Rua gave Texas a 5-2 lead when he lined the first pitch over the right field wall.

The Rangers added three in the sixth on an RBI double by Elvis Andrus and a two-run single up the middle by Nomar Mazara.

Martin Perez (2-5) allowed two runs and five hits in seven solid innings. He struck out eight without a walk.

Michael Saunders hit an RBI triple and scored on a sacrifice fly by Maikel Franco in the second inning. Franco's fly ball sent Hoying crashing into the center field wall.

Franco opened the fifth with his sixth home run of the season before Texas erupted.

Tommy Joseph hit a two-run home run in the ninth off Jeremy Jeffress to get the Phillies within 8-4. Ty Kelly with a double but Matt Bush ended it by getting two groundouts.

Philadelphia rookie Nick Pivetta allowed one earned run and three hits in 4 2/3 innings. He walked four and was lifted after throwing 107 pitches.

NOTES: When Texas last lost a game, it was in fifth place in the AL West. ... Phillies RF Michael Saunders exited the game in the sixth inning. The team later announced that he left with left groin tightness. ... The Phillies are now 0-5 in interleague play in 2017, having been swept in a two-game series at home against the Mariners before this three-game sweep. Overall, the Phillies are 0-8 vs. teams from the National League and American West Divisions. Texas LHP Martin Perez's eight strikeouts matched his career high, which he has accomplished four times. The most recent instance April 18th, 2014 against the Chicago White Sox.