London - AFP
Mike Napoli ignited a four-run seventh inning with a two-run homer as the Texas Rangers held on to beat the Tampa Bay Rays 4-3 in game three of their first round MLB playoff series. Pitcher Colby Lewis struck out six batters and walked just two for the Rangers, who have a 2-1 lead in the best-of-five American League series. The defending AL champions can wrap up the series with a win in game four on Tuesday. Josh Hamilton also singled in two runs in the seventh for Texas who survived a shaky night from their bullpen at Tropicana Field. Lewis, who outpitched Rays starter David Price, gave up just one home run to Desmond Jennings in six innings of work in his first career playoff road game. Rookie Jennings hit a pair of solo homers for the Rays. Tampa gave the Rangers a scare late in the game by scoring twice off Rangers relievers before Neftali Feliz registered four outs for his second save of the series. Price allowed three runs on seven hits over 6 2/3 innings. He went 12-13 with a 3.49 ERA during the regular season. Matt Harrison is scheduled to pitch for Texas and Jeremy Hellickson for Tampa Bay in game four on Tuesday.