MLB: Texas 6, Toronto 4

ARLINGTON, Texas, Sept. 2 (UPI) -- Elvis Andrus hit a go-ahead, two-run homer in the fifth Wednesday and the Texas Rangers improved their position in the playoff race with a 6-4 win over Toronto.

The Rangers overcame an early 2-0 deficit, and then held on thanks to the relief work of C.J. Wilson and Frank Francisco.

In the space of two days, Texas has reduced its deficit from six games to 3 ½ in the American League West. Division-leading Los Angeles has lost two in a row and the Rangers have won three straight, including a double header sweep of the Blue Jays Tuesday.

Texas also climbed within 2 ½ games of Boston in the chase for the AL wild-card berth.

Toronto had a 3-1 lead going into the fourth but Nelson Cruz brought the Rangers within a run in that inning with an RBI single. Julio Borbon drew a one-out walk off Scott Richmond (6-8) in the fifth and Andrus followed with a home run to left-center.

Cruz added a home run in the sixth and Texas produced another score later in the inning when a fielder's choice grounder by Hank Blalock brought in David Murphy from third.

Tommy Hunter (7-3) got the win by allowing four runs on five hits in seven innings.

Wilson and Francisco, both of whom let late leads get away in recent weeks, combined to throw two scoreless innings. Francisco collected his 22nd save.