Millwood Turns In Top Notch Performance, Ends Rangers Skid

Kevin Millwood looked liked an staff ace, Darren O'Day again looked like one of Texas' better aquisitions, and C.J. Wilson picked up yet another save as Texas nailed down a very uncharacteristic 1-0 shutout victory over the Toronto Blue Jays.

"It was Millwood tonight," Rangers manager Ron Washington said. "We needed it, and we needed it bad. We know the offense is going to get it going, but we needed Millwood to step up, and he stepped up."

Millwood pitched 7 2/3 innings of scoreless ball, scattering five hits. He also recieved Gold Glove-caliber play out of his defense with MIchale Young, Ian Kinsler and Elvis Andrus each making huge plays. Texas is now 22-10 when do not commit an error.

"We played great defense, and we had to when you strike out just one," Millwood said. "That shows we can win in different ways."



The Rangers lone score came via a sacrifice fly off the bat of Marlon Byrd which came on the heels of back to back base hits by Nelson Cruz and David Murphy.

While Texas' offense has been in a bit of a funk, the players don't seem any reason for panic.

"We're winning games," Murphy said. "If we go on a big losing streak, that's something to worry about. But if you look at the guys we have around here -- Ian Kinsler, Michael Young and those guys -- you know this offense is not going to be held down for long. I'll take my chances with them."

Texas is now 4 1/2 games ahead of both Seattle and Los Angeles in the AL West.