Arlington, TX – Nate McLouth's two-run homer capped the four- run fifth inning the Baltimore Orioles used to down the Texas Rangers, 5-3, in the middle test of a three-game series on Tuesday.
J.J. Hardy and Manny Machado also knocked in runs for the Orioles, who have won three of their last four games.
Chris Tillman (6-2) allowed three runs on six hits and a walk while striking out seven over 6 2/3 innings in the victory. Jim Johnson worked a perfect ninth to secure his 38th save of the year.
"These guys have a great lineup and you have to respect that," Tillman said about the Rangers. "Whether you are ahead, behind, winning the game or losing the game, I think these guys all deserve respect. You have got to pitch them tough."
Scott Feldman (6-9) surrendered five runs -- four earned -- on seven hits and a walk through five innings for Texas, which had its three-game win streak snapped.
Ian Kinsler and Geovany Soto each homered in a losing effort.
Baltimore took a quick lead in the top of the first inning without recording a hit when McLouth worked a two-out walk, advanced to third on Soto's throwing error while stealing second and raced home on a wild pitch.
The Rangers tied the game at 1-1 in the third inning on Kinsler's two-out blast just inside the left-field foul pole.
But the Orioles went back on top in the fifth after Omar Quintanilla reached first on a fielder's choice and rounded the bases on Machado's triple to right-center field.
Two batters later, Hardy slapped a double to right field to plate Machado. McLouth then hammered a ball into the right-field bleachers, handing Baltimore a 5-1 advantage.
"I was close to getting out of it, but I just couldn't really get that final out," Feldman said about the fifth inning.
Soto followed David Murphy's one-out single in the seventh inning with a shot over the left-field wall to bring the Rangers within two, but Pedro Strop left the tying runs on the bases by striking out Josh Hamilton.
Game Notes
Tillman improved to 2-1 in three career starts against the Rangers ... Feldman fell to 4-1 in 12 appearances (six starts) against Baltimore ... Texas went 1- for-3 with runners in scoring position and left seven men on base ... The Orioles went 2-for-3 with runners in scoring position and stranded three.
Fox News First
Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox.
By entering your email and clicking the Subscribe button, you agree to the Fox News Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and agree to receive content and promotional communications from Fox News. You understand that you can opt-out at any time.