CLEVELAND (AP) — Nomar Mazara hit a three-run homer, Ian Desmond had a two-run shot and the Texas Rangers beat the Indians 9-2 on Monday night.
Derek Holland (4-4) pitched six innings and gave up one run — a solo homer by Mike Napoli — to win for the first time since April 30.
Josh Tomlin (7-1) lasted 3 2/3 innings and lost for the first time since Sept. 15. The right-hander was 12-0 in 13 starts following a Cleveland loss dating back to last season.
Desmond, the game’s second batter, gave Texas a quick lead with a homer into the left-field bleachers. Mazara, who is having an impressive rookie season, hit his ninth homer to dead center during a four-run fourth.
Indians manager Terry Francona ejected by plate umpire Manny Gonzalez in the third inning Monday night. Francona argued that the Rangers’ Mitch Moreland should have been called out for running inside the baseline while going to first base after hitting a ground ball.
Moreland was hit in the back of the helmet by a throw from pitcher Josh Tomlin, allowing a run to score and giving Texas a 4-0 lead.
Francona came on the field and had a lengthy discussion with Gonzalez. He was ejected after he went back to the dugout and returned to the field for a heated argument with the umpire.