G55: Rangers 5, Red Sox 1

Rangers - 000 041 000 - 5  8  1
Red Sox - 000 000 010 - 1  7  0

Julio Lugo's inability to field his position and record the third out extended Texas's fifth inning and Ian Kinsler crushed a three-run home run to left.

With two outs, Elvis Andrus's grounder to Lugo's right should have been scooped up for the final out. But the ball trickled under his glove -- he may have been screened by Marlon Byrd breaking for third, but the play was not that difficult -- and into left field. That scored the Rangers' first run. Then Kinsler stepped to the plate.

The Red Sox tried to rally in the eighth. Millwood was sent out after seven innings and 105 pitches. His fatigue was obvious. He fell behind Jason Bay 3-1 before Bay reached on an infield error. He walked Mike Lowell on four pitches. David Ortiz lined a single to right, scoring Bay and ending Millwood's night.

Eddie Guardado came in with the potential tying run on deck -- and slammed shut the door. He struck out Jason Varitek, got Jacoby Ellsbury to fly to left and retired pinch-hitter Rocco Baldelli on a fielder's choice.

***

Kevin Millwood (3.23, 142 ERA+) / Brad Penny (5.63, 86 ERA+)

Back at Fenway Park for two three-game series, against the Rangers and Yankees. After that -- 15 interleague games. One big question: How much time will David Ortiz get at first base?

The Red Sox finished their 6-4 road trip on a strong note. In the last run through the rotation (five games), the starters had a 2.01 ERA.

After an 8.66 ERA in April, Penny has pitched extremely well, for a fifth starter. He had an ERA of 4.17 in six May starts, tossing 36.2 innings and allowing 46 hits but only six walks, while striking out 27. Those hits gave opponents a .305 average against him, but he limited them to a .333 OBP.

Millwood had a good April, but slumped in May: 4.28 in six starts and an opponents line of .280/.354/.490.

Also at 7: Tampa Bay at New York (Price/Sabathia) and Royals at Blue Jays (Greinke/Romero).