Spencer Howard and Jordan Lyles combined to allow just three hits and Jason Martin hit a two-run single as the Rangers opened a two-game set against the Arizona Diamondbacks with a 3-1 victory on Tuesday in Phoenix.
Lyles (8-11) allowed one run over seven innings in relief of starter Spencer Howard, who tossed two perfect innings in his return from the COVID-19 injured list.
The Rangers have won three straight and six of their past nine games.
Arizona starter Zac Gallen (2-9) allowed three runs on six hits over 6 2/3 innings. He struck out eight with no walks.
The D-backs scored their lone run in the third inning. Daulton Varsho lined a leadoff single, stole second, advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt and scored on Josh Rojas’ sacrifice fly.
The Rangers answered with three runs in the fourth, when they recorded five of their six hits.
DJ Peters’ one-out single to center field scored Yonny Hernandez, who singled to begin the inning and stole second.
Nick Solak followed with a single and Jonah Heim grounded out before Martin put the Rangers ahead with a two-out, two-run single to right field.
Martin is hitting .333 (12-for-36) over his past nine games to raise his average from .154 to .200.
Pavin Smith had two hits for Arizona, which has lost four straight and owns the worst record in the National League at 45-94.
Smith tripled with two outs in the fourth inning, but Varsho lined out against Lyles to end the inning.
Texas (50-88) improved to 6-13 in interleague play behind another strong pitching performance. Rangers pitchers have recorded a 2.09 ERA over the past five games.
Lyles gave up three hits and struck out three while throwing 96 pitches. He issued two walks, both in the third inning. The veteran right-hander retired 16 of the last 17 batters he faced.
Howard, who was on a pitch count in his first appearance since Aug. 19, struck out one and threw 23 pitches.
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–Field Level Media