April 2, 2014, 11:15 p.m.
@Philabaseball
Kyle Kendrick hurled seven stellar innings surrendering one run on five hits, but Jonathan Papelbon faltered in the ninth and failed to hold on to a two run lead and walked in the winning run as the Rangers beat the Phillies on Wednesday night at Globe Life Park in Arlington, 4-3.
Papelbon blew seven saves last season. This was his first save opportunity of the year.
Adrian Beltre opened the final frame for the Rangers with a single to left field. Following an Alex Rios strikeout Mitch Moreland connected for a double to right moving Beltre to third. Back-to-back singles from Jim Adduci and Leonys Martin tied the contest and loaded the bases. Shin-Soo Choo then worked a walk to score Adduci and give the Rangers the victory.
The Rangers first run came in the seventh via a Martin RBI single.
Ahead 1-0 in the third inning, Ryan Howard hit a two-run home run to right center off Rangers starter Robert Ross Jr. to push the Phillies ahead with a three run lead.
Carlos Ruiz finished the night with two hits and two runs scored for the Phillies.
Counting Wednesday's blown save, Papelbon has now blown eight of his last 24 save opportunities dating back to last year.
Counting Wednesday's blown save, Papelbon has now blown eight of his last 24 save opportunities dating back to last year.
The Phillies have an off day on Thursday and will travel to Chicago to open a three-game series against the Cubs on Friday.
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