MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota--Japanese rookie Yu Darvish twice faced bases-loaded jams in a stuttering performance but the Texas Rangers still won their third consecutive game, defeating the Minnesota Twins 6-2 on April 14.
Josh Hamilton had three hits including a solo home run in the third as the Rangers were victorious for the sixth time in seven games.
Darvish (1-0) lasted into the sixth inning, giving up nine hits while striking out four and walking the same number of batters.
The decision went to Robbie Ross, who posted his first Major League win by relieving Darvish in the sixth with the game tied at 2-2, the bases loaded and two out.
In 11 1/3 innings over two starts since his lucrative move from Japan, Darvish has allowed 17 hits, nine walks and two hit batters. Opponents are hitting him for .340 but manager Ron Washington was pleased with the lanky pitcher's improvement.
"He was much better," Washington told reporters. "If we make a couple of plays behind him, he could have had a shutout going into the sixth inning.”
"He had much better command. It's progress. The next time he takes the ball... you never know what will happen, but he's certainly moving in the right direction."
Darvish admitted he was still learning.
"I gave up hits but they weren't all hard hits," he said. "Some of those just got through the infield.
"I'm still going through the process and adjusting. If I was to come over here with no problems and no worries, putting up the same numbers as in Japan, that would make me a genius."
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