Nelson Cruz's three-run homer capped a six-run eighth inning as the Baltimore Orioles rallied for an 8-3 win over the Texas Rangers.
Adam Jones went 4-for-5 with a homer and two runs scored for Baltimore, which collected 17 hits as a team to easily take the opener of this three-game set from Globe Life Park. Nick Markakis had three hits and Delmon Young, Jonathan Schoop and Caleb Joseph -- the No. 7, 8 and 9 hitters in the order -- all had two hits and a run scored.
Cruz, who played eight seasons with Texas before signing with the Orioles this past offseason, was the last Baltimore starter to pick up a hit. He now has 21 home runs on the season, most in the majors.
Brian Matusz (2-1) earned the win in relief of Ubaldo Jimenez, who allowed just a run on four hits in 5 2/3 innings. Matusz gave up the game-tying run in the bottom of the seventh inning, but retired the only batter he faced in the bottom of the eighth.
Adrian Beltre and Robinson Chirinos homered for Texas, losers in three of four. Alexi Ogando (2-3) took the loss.
[SportsNetwork.com]
