ARLINGTON, Texas, July 31 (UPI) -- Rookie Kevin Mench had four hits and three RBI and Ivan Rodriguez homered and drove in three runs Wednesday night as the Texas Rangers rolled to a 17-6 victory over the Yankees.
Mike Mussina benefits from better run support than any other pitcher in the American League as the Yankees averaged 6.6 runs in his first 21 starts. New York's offense did not disappoint on Wednesday, but the veteran righthander did in his shortest outing of the season.
Mussina (13-5) surrendered seven runs and a season-high 11 hits in three innings, his shortest outing since lasting just two innings on July 12, 2001.
The Rangers trailed by a run before scoring six times in the second inning. They recorded seven extra-base hits in the inning, including six doubles to tie a 51-year-old American League record.
Alex Rodriguez capped the inning with his 277th career homer, tying him with Ernie Banks for the second most ever by a shortstop.
Ivan Rodriguez and Rafael Palmeiro also homered as the Rangers
recorded season highs with 17 runs and 21 hits.
Texas starter Rob Bell (4-3) benefited from the offensive outburst and won for the first time since June 22 despite allowing six runs in 5 1/3 innings.
