Rookie Ross lifts Rangers

ARLINGTON, Texas — Texas Rangers rookie Robbie Ross makes his way to the bullpen before each game wearing a kiddie cowboy vest and hat while carrying a pink backpack and plush stuffed horse.

Crucial clout: Oakland's Yoenis Cespedes blasts a two-run homer against Chicago in the bottom of the 14th inning on Wednesday. The Athletics beat the White Sox 5-4. AP

There's nothing kid-like about the way the 22-year-old left-hander is pitching.

Ross worked 2? perfect innings in relief for his AL-best fourth victory and the Rangers beat the New York Yankees 7-3 on Wednesday night, winning their sixth consecutive series to start a season for the first time in franchise history.

"He's doing the job, he has no fear, he throws the ball over the plate," manager Ron Washington said.

As for the two-time defending American League champion Rangers (15-4) having the best record in the majors, Washington said, "We're just playing complete baseball."

Adrian Beltre hit one of the Rangers' three homers and a pair of RBI singles. Mile Napoli and Mitch Moreland also homered.

After Scott Feldman gave up two runs in 3? innings of a spot start, Ross retired all eight batters he faced with two strikeouts.

The Rangers said Ross (4-0) is the first pitcher in the majors since at least 1918 to earn four relief wins in his first six career appearances. He hasn't allowed an earned run in his eight innings, either.

"I didn't expect anything like this," said Ross, who wasn't even really in the team's plans for this season until an impressive spring.

Ross is getting noticed for more than the cowboy get-up put together by veteran pitchers that he has to put on before each game to walk from the dugout to the bullpen.

"I'm totally fine with that as long as I can be here," he said. "I'm just enjoying it so far, soaking it all in and trying to remember what's going good right now."

Red Sox 7, Twins 5

In Minneapolis, Mike Aviles homered and the Boston bullpen just barely avoided another big collapse.

The Red Sox led 7-1 after five innings, but their beleaguered bullpen was able to hang on with 3? scoreless innings of relief. Last Saturday, Boston blew a 9-0 lead against the Yankees.

Minnesota's Liam Hendriks (0-1) gave up seven runs on nine hits and two walks in four innings.

Mariners 9, Tigers 1

In Detroit, Felix Hernandez allowed only a run in seven innings and rookie Alex Liddi hit a two-run homer.

Ichiro Suzuki finished 3-for-5 for Seattle.

Rays 3, Angels 2

In St. Petersberg, Florida, Jeremy Hellickson overcame early struggles to pitch six effective innings and Ben Zobrist homered.

Royals 8, Indians

In Cleveland, Billy Butler hit two of Kansas City's four home runs to help the Royals snap a 12-game losing streak.

Orioles 3, Blue Jays 0

In Baltimore, Jason Hammel pitched seven innings of four-hit ball and Wilson Betemit and Chris Davis homered for the Orioles.

Athletics 5, White Sox 4 (14)

In Oakland, Kila Ka'aihue blooped a winning single in the 14th inning soon after Yoenis Cespedes' tying two-run homer.

Kosuke Fukudome finished 1-for-4 with an RBI for Chicago.

NATIONAL LEAGUE

Mets 1, Marlins 1

In New York, David Wright hit a two-run homer to become the Mets' career RBIs leader and R.A. Dickey outpitched Mark Buehrle in a crafty duel.

Nationals 7 Padres 2

In San Diego, Jordan Zimmermann helped Washington set a team record for the longest scoreless innings streak for starters before Orlando Hudson homered and the NL East-leading Nationals beat San Diego.

Cardinals 5, Cubs 1

In Chicago, David Freese homered and Lance Lynn threw eight strong innings.

Phillies 7, Diamondbacks 2

In Phoenix, Cole Hamels pitched eight strong innings and also hit a two-run single as Philadelphia beat Arizona.

Reds 4, Giants 2

In Cincinnati, Scott Rolen's homer started a four-run rally in the seventh inning that swept the Reds to a win.

Astros 7, Brewers 5

In Milwaukee, Jose Altuve had a career-best four hits and J.D. Martinez had three hits and three RBIs as Houston ended its 11-game losing streak to the Brewers.

Norichika Aoki was a 0-for-1 in a pinch-hit appearance.

Rockies 2, Pirates 1 (1st)

Pirates 5, Rockies 1 (2nd)

In Pittsburgh, Pedro Alvarez hit his second home run of the day and Charlie Morton pitched seven solid innings in the night cap for the Pirates.

In the opener, Colorado broke up James McDonald's no-hit bid in the seventh. Matt Reynolds (2-0) won in relief and Rafael Betancourt worked the ninth for his sixth save.

Chris Resop (0-2) lost after relieving McDonald in the eighth.

Braves 4, Dodgers 2

In Los Angeles, Chipper Jones singled home the go-ahead run in his final regular season at-bat at Dodger Stadium after Dan Uggla tied it with his second RBI single earlier in the ninth inning to lead Atlanta.

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