Texas' Hunter returns with 5-hitter against Rays

Tommy Hunter pitched a five-hitter in his season debut, Josh Hamilton homered and the host Texas Rangers beat the Tampa Bay Rays, 6-1, yesterday.

Hunter (1-0), who was called up from Triple-A Oklahoma earlier in the day, struck out four and didn't issue a walk. He retired 14 of the last 16 batters he faced for his second career complete game.

Hunter's other complete game came against Seattle on Sept. 13, 2009.

Hamilton continued his hot June with a two-run blast in the first, and is 10-for-22 this month to raise his average from .281 to .299.

Sean Rodriguez homered for the Rays, who've lost eight of their last 12 but maintained a two-game lead over the Yankees in the AL East.

Red Sox 8, Orioles 2

Kevin Youkilis homered in the seventh inning to break open a scoreless game, and Jon Lester (7-2) gave up four hits and three walks in 6 1-3 innings. Host Baltimore has lost 10 in a row.

Angels 11, Mariners 2

Torii Hunter had three hits and three RBIs in Seattle, the Angels won for the ninth time in 11 games, and improved to 5-1 on a 14-game road trip.

Tigers 4, Royals 2

Justin Verlander (6-4) allowed two runs and five hits in seven innings in Kansas City, and Miguel Cabrera hit his 17th home run.

Indians 3, White Sox 1

Austin Kearns had an RBI single in the fourth inning and scored on a balk, in Chicago.

Phillies 6, Padres 2

Jamie Moyer pitched a seven-hitter and Jayson Werth homered to help host Philadelphia break out of its offensive slump.

Reds 5, Nationals 1

Rookie Mike Leake (5-0) allowed just an unearned run over seven innings in Washington.

Cardinals 5, Brewers 4

Colby Rasmus singled in the winning run in the 11th inning for host St. Louis.

Cubs 8, Astros 5

Rookie Tyler Colvin hit a two-run homer, Aramis Ramirez homered and had two RBIs in Houston as Chicago snapped a four-game losing streak.

Pirates 6, Giants 3

Andrew McCutchen had four hits, including a homer, and scored three runs for host Pittsburgh.

- AP