ARLINGTON, Texas, Aug. 23 (UPI) -- Rich Harden and three Texas Rangers relievers nearly teamed for a no-hitter Monday but instead settled for a one-hit, 4-0 victory over Minnesota.
Harden (5-4) held the Twins hitless over 6 2/3 innings and relievers Matt Harrison and Darren O'Day carried the hitless effort into the ninth.
Rangers closer Neftali Perez recorded one out in the final frame, but then the Twins' Joe Mauer lined a clean single to center to break up the no-no.
Harden survived five walks and struck out six in 100-degree heat before being removed after 111 pitches. His effort helped the Rangers win the first of a four-game series between the leaders of the American League West and Central divisions.
David Murphy smacked a two-run triple in the first inning and Michael Young chipped in with two hits and an RBI for Texas.
Nick Blackburn (7-8), in his return to the Twins after a stint in the minors, surrendered three runs on eight hits over seven innings.
