David Price, holding on to a tenuous 1-0 lead, gave up a lead off single to Adrian Beltre, then tried to power a 2-2 fastball high and tight past catcher Mike Napoli, who launched the ball for a two run homer, pushing the game in favor of the Texas, 2-1.
Price then got ground outs from Nelson Cruz and Mitch Moreland, but Craig Gentry then reached on a single up the middle of the infield. Rays manager Joe Maddon then decided to pull Price -- at 102 pitches -- in favor of rookie righty Brandon Gomes.
Price left with the Rays losing, but his performance was nonetheless strong. He pitched 6 and 2/3 innings, striking out 3, walking only 1, and allowing 2 runs on the Napoli homer. Though the homer came at a late and crucial moment in the game, credit is more due to Napoli, who somehow put wood on a pitch that is unhittable for most hitters.
Gomes came in, allowed Gentry to steal third, walked Ian Kinsler, and then walked to Elvis Andrus on five pitches. Maddon then brought in J.P. Howell to face Josh Hamilton, Gomes having recorded no outs, walking two. Hamilton promptly served a Howell slider to right for a 2-run single, giving the Rangers a 4-1 lead late.
Juan Cruz relieved Howell after just two pitches. Catcher John Jaso then caught Elvis Andrus in a run down as Hamilton attempted to steal second, ending the top of the inning.