ARLINGTON, Texas, June 29 (UPI) -- Craig Gentry's bases-loaded triple highlighted a four-run Texas rally in the eighth inning Friday, lifting the Rangers to a 4-3 triumph over Oakland.
The comeback victory extended the Rangers' winning streak to four. A decision over Oakland Saturday would make Texas the first team in the majors this year to reach 50 wins.
Texas managed only two hits over the first seven innings and came up with just two more while scoring its four runs in the eighth.
Elvis Andrus reached on an infield single off Grant Balfour (1-2) and Josh Hamilton drew a walk. After Adrian Beltre flew to right for the second out of the inning, Michael Young worked a four-pitch walk to load the bases.
Yet another walk to Nelson Cruz forced in a run and Ryan Cook relieved Balfour. Gentry greeted Cook with his triple to left on an 0-1 pitch.
That made a winner out of starter Matt Harrison (11-3), who gave up two runs on eight hits with seven strikeouts over eight innings.
With regular closer Joe Nathan having worked three nights in a row, Tanner Scheppers was called on in the ninth. He earned his first save in his ninth major league appearance despite giving up a two-out homer to Chris Carter.
It was Carter's first game in the majors this year after having appeared in 39 contests over the previous two seasons.
