Major League Baseball

Rangers pound Yankees to take series in N.Y.

Published Aug. 28, 2009 12:22 a.m. ET

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Ian Kinsler and Chris Davis launched the loudest shots of the afternoon. The way Jason Grilli and his bullpen pals kept things quiet, that tilted this game to Texas.

Kinsler homered twice, a trio of relievers pitched shutout ball and the Rangers became the first visitors to win a series at Yankee Stadium since mid-June, beating New York 7-2 Thursday.

"This sends a statement that we can play with anyone out there," Grilli said.

Davis also had a three-run homer for Texas, which took two of three from the team with the best record in the majors.


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Grilli, C.J. Wilson and Frank Francisco combined for 5 1-3 innings of two-hit relief. The Rangers remain in the thick of the pennant race, trying for their first playoff spot since 1999.

"We're treading into territory we've never been in before," Texas manager Ron Washington said.

Cut by Colorado this season and activated from the disabled list over the weekend, Grilli (2-2) entered in the fourth with Texas ahead 3-2. He escaped a first-and-third jam by getting Alex Rodriguez on an easy comebacker and pitched 2 1-3 innings.

Grilli was aware he'd done well against Rodriguez - the Yankees' cleanup man is 0 for 5 facing him. Grilli also realized his early relief appearance was an important one.

"It's not always so glamorous, but sometimes it's the tipping point," he said.

Neither starter let the other side hit the ball much, either - for different reasons.

A.J. Burnett (10-8) lost despite striking out a season-high 12 in six innings. Texas' Dustin Nippert was pulled after walking seven in 3 2-3 innings.

Through 7 1/2 innings, in fact, only 33 of 66 hitters overall managed to put the ball in play. By the end, the teams combined for 25 strikeouts and 11 walks.

"Obviously, I had a good breaking ball today," Burnett said. "Everything was there."

Kinsler got Texas' first hit, a three-run homer in the fourth. Burnett retired the first 11 batters before walking Josh Hamilton and Nelson Cruz on full counts, bringing up Kinsler.

Catcher Jose Molina went to the mound to talk with Burnett, and Kinsler lined the next pitch over the left-field wall.

"Just be ready for a strike. You can't give him anything," Kinsler said. "You can't sit on one pitch."

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