Major League Baseball

Hunter, Rangers shuts down Rays

Published Jul. 4, 2009 6:22 a.m. ET

foxsports

Tommy Hunter gave the ailing Texas Rangers rotation a much-needed lift Friday night.

The rookie also got a cool birthday gift in the process.

Hunter earned his first career victory on his 23rd birthday, Hank Blalock homered and the Texas Rangers won their third in a row, beating the Tampa Bay Rays 3-1.