ARLINGTON, Texas, April 8 (UPI) -- Barry Zito, the reigning American League Cy Young Award winner, allowed one run and four hits in seven innings as the Oakland Athletics edged the Texas Rangers, 2-1,Tuesday night.
Zito (2-0) did struggle with his control, walking four, but struck out seven in improving to 8-0 in 12 lifetime appearances against the Rangers. The 24-year-old lefthander improved his career winning percentage to .742 (49-16) - tops among any pitcher ever to record 65 decisions.
Zito's 42 wins since the start of the 2001 season are the most in baseball.
Zito's latest gem was preserved by three relievers. After Ricardo Rincon allowed the only batter he faced to reach on an error, Chad Bradford got two outs in the eighth. Keith Foulke recorded the final four outs for his third save.
Texas starter John Thomson allowed a run and seven hits in six innings, walking two and striking out seven. He was lifted after throwing 121 pitches.
Esteban Yan (0-1) followed Thomson and surrendered a
tie-breaking RBI double to Scott Hatteberg in the seventh.
