ARLINGTON, Texas, April 10 (UPI) -- Nick Tepesch stymied Tampa Bay on one run over 7 1/3 innings in his major league debut Tuesday, sparking the Texas Rangers to a 6-1 win over the Rays.
Tepesch (1-0), a rookie out of the University of Missouri, allowed four hits while striking out five, retiring 12 consecutive hitters at one point.
The right-hander became the first Ranger to pitch into the eighth inning in his major league debut since John Dettmer in 1994.
Lance Berkman keyed the Texas offense, going 3-for-4 with a two-run single, while Elvis Andrus added a pair of RBI as the Rangers notched a sixth win in seven games.
Rays starter Roberto Hernandez (0-2) gave up six runs (five earned) on eight hits over 6 2/3 innings.
Desmond Jennings supplied two hits for Tampa Bay, which dropped a third straight.
