Die Anpflanzler [DA] » and getting him back

HOUSTON -- The Texas Rangers never lost faith in rookie Nick Martinez even as his losing streak stretched to seven games. And on Sunday against the Houston Astros they were pleased to see his work finally pay off with his first win since May 24. Martinez pitched five solid innings and Adrian Beltre and Shin-Soo Choo both homered to lead the Rangers to a 6-2 victory over the Astros, snapping a seven-game skid against their in-state rivals. "Hes a strong kid," Rangers manager Ron Washington said of Martinez. "He works every day and he wants to be better. Youve got to understand the kid is just out of A ball trying to get big league hitters out. Hell figure it out." Martinez (2-8), who was pitching on five extra days rest, allowed five hits and two runs with a season-high six strikeouts. "Im definitely relieved," he said. "Its nice to get that win. It wasnt easy. I had to battle out there." He spent half of last season in Class-A and pitched just two games in Double-A this season before being called up after injuries decimated the Rangers rotation. "Hes up here to win ball games," Washington said. "If we didnt have a tremendous feeling about the kid he wouldnt be up here ... we believe in him. Were going to give him all the opportunity that we can to continue to improve." The Rangers trailed by two early before scoring twice in both the fourth and fifth innings to take a 4-2 lead. The 393rd homer of Beltres career came off Dallas Keuchel in the sixth inning and Choo also had a solo shot in the seventh to make it 6-2. Keuchel (10-8) allowed six hits and tied a season-high with five runs in six innings. "I wasnt very good the last three innings, and that was the game," Keuchel said. Jose Altuve had two hits for his 49th multihit game this season in his return after missing Saturdays game with a sore neck. Chris Carter made it 1-0 in the first when he grounded into a force play that scored Robbie Grossman and left Altuve out at second. Carter was initially ruled out on the play, but manager Bo Porter challenged the call and it was overturned. Altuve was plunked with one out in the third inning and added to his American League lead when he swiped second for his 46th steal. Jason Castros single sent him home to make it 2-0. Elvis Andrus singled to start the fourth inning and scored on a double by Alex Rios to cut the lead to 2-1. A two-out single by Adam Rosales allowed Rios to score and tie the game. Robinson Chirinos doubled and Daniel Robertson singled to start the fifth inning. Chirinos scored and Robertson took third on a wild pitch by Keuchel to put Texas on top 3-2. A sacrifice fly by Andrus scored Robertson to push the lead to 4-2. TRAINERS ROOM Rangers: Rios left the game in the middle of the fourth inning after appearing to aggravate his sprained right ankle sliding into home in the top of the fourth inning. He had missed the previous two games because of the injury, but said after the game that he expects to play on Monday. ... Washington was encouraged by LHP Derek Hollands third rehabilitation start at Double-A Frisco on Saturday night. He struck out four in three scoreless innings. Holland, who hasnt played in the majors this season after left knee surgery, will start for Triple-A Round Rock on Thursday night. Astros: Astros OF George Springer (quadriceps) said he felt OK on Sunday a day after taking batting practice and participating in drills on the field, but he isnt sure when hell be able to come off the disabled list. "Its more frustrating than anything because I want to play and help," Springer said. "But ... I have to be smart about it." UP NEXT Rangers: Colby Lewis starts against Tampa Bays Drew Smyly in the opener of a four game series on Monday. Lewis has gone 2-2 with a 2.30 ERA in four starts since the All-Star break and threw a complete game shutout in his last start. Astros: Brad Peacock opposes Minnesota left-hander Tommy Milone when the Astros start a three game series with the Twins. Peacock will make his second start since being recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City. He struggled in his return to the majors, allowing eight runs in five innings of a 10-3 loss to Philadelphia. Eric Lindros Jersey . Sijsling, ranked 74th in the world, was leading 6-0, 4-1 when his Italian opponent called it quits after just 39 minutes on court. In a match pitting together two qualifiers, Michal Przysiezny of Poland defeated local favourite Pierre-Hugues Herbert 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (4) for only his second Tour win of the season. Brian Propp Jersey . First reported by FOX Sports Ken Rosenthal, its unknown if the impetus for the deferral proposal came from players or management, but it never left the preliminary stages. http://www.nhlflyersproauthentic.com/bobby-clarke-hockey-jersey/ . Anaheim Ducks Reassign D Colby Robak to Norfolk Admirals (AHL). - Team Website D Eric Brewer (foot) removed from injured reserve. Bill Barber Jersey . Speaking on Leafs Lunch with Bryan Hayes and Jamie McLennan on Thursday, Bernier said it was "very hard" at times being entrenched behind Jonathan Quick and is now excited at the prospect of getting an opportunity to compete with Reimer for the top spot with the Leafs. Ron Hextall Jersey .ca. Hi Kerry, Love reading your column and loved watching your analysis on the TSN broadcasts!And were now in Round 2! Bruins! Canadiens! We know all about the great games of the past from the players, the broadcasters and the writers.DETROIT - Ryan Hunter-Reay will have to drive from the back of the field in his first race since winning the Indianapolis 500. Hunter-Reay brushed the wall during Saturday morning qualifying for the first race of the Detroit Grand Prix doubleheader. It happened on his second lap, and the American drove his damaged Andretti Autosport entry to pit lane, ending his qualifying attempt. "Just pushing it in qualifying and the left rear snapped on me, and I just brushed the wall," Hunter-Reay said. "Just no time to fix it." But Hunter-Reay was not concerned about his team repairing the rear suspension and getting him back on track and salvaging the weekend. IndyCar races Saturday and Sunday on Belle Isle, and Hunter-Reay goees into the doubleheader as the series points leader following his Indy 500 victory.dddddddddddd "Theres still plenty of time to gain a lot of points," he said. "Theres still plenty of opportunity this weekend, weve just got to fix the suspension. Just one foot in front of the other. Weve turned the page and on to Detroit and focus on the championship." Also in Hunter-Reays qualifying group, Simon Pagenaud was called for interference on Juan Pablo Montoya. It prevented Pagenaud from advancing and moved Montoya into the next group. Pagenaud, winner of one of last years doubleheader races, and his team angrily disputed the penalty, to no avail. "I dont understand the call," the Frenchman said. ' ' '