ARLINGTON, Texas, April 28 (UPI) -- Evan Longoria's three-run homer in the first inning touched off a 16-hit attack Friday that launched the Tampa Bay Rays to an 8-4 victory over Texas.
The Rays extended the longest current winning streak in the majors to six games and roughed up Texas starter Matt Harrison (3-1), who came into the contest with a 1.66 ERA.
Tampa Bay scored four times in the first, with Longoria delivering the key blow. Desmond Jennings hit the first pitch of the game to left for a single, Carlos Pena reached on a fielding error by Ian Kinsler and Longoria followed with a homer to center.
Longoria singled in a run in the fourth and scored on a double by Ben Zobrist.
Texas had 13 hits, including homers by Josh Hamilton and David Murphy, but suffered only its fifth loss in 20 games this season.
James Shields (4-0) gave up four runs on 11 hits over six innings while striking out eight to get the victory.
The Rangers have won their first six series in a season for the first time in franchise history, but will need to down Tampa Bay both Saturday and Sunday to extend that streak.
