Texas Beat Twins 20-6

The Rangers scored early and often to beat the Twins 20-6 in Texas Monday night.  Texas scored 3 runs in the first, 2nd and 3rd innings, 5 runs in the 4th and 4 more runs in the 5th.  Nick Blackburn allowed 11 hits and 9 runs (6 earned) in 2 2/3 innings to take the loss and drop to 7-7.  Jose Mijares allowed 4 earned runs in 2/3 of an inning, Chuck James allowed 4 earned runs in 1 inning and Michael Cuddyer pitched a scoreless 8th inning with 2 hits allowed.  Jason Kubel was 2-5 with a homerun and 2 RBIs for the Twins.

Minnesota is 47-55 and 7 games back of Detroit for first place in the American League Central.  The Twins play at Texas again tonight at 7:05, pregame on WJON at 6:35.  Righthander Carl Pavano (6-7) gets the start on the mound for the Twins and lefthander C.J. Wilson (10-4) toes the rubber for the Rangers.