Albert Suárez outpitched three-time Cy Young winner Max Scherzer, and the Baltimore Orioles beat Texas 2-1 on Friday night to extend the Rangers’ latest lengthy losing streak.
Making his second start of the season following a long stay on the injured list, the 39-year-old Scherzer gave up two runs and four hits over 5 1/3 innings. Along the way, the right-hander reached another milestone and provided hope he might be able to help the defending World Series champions turn around a disappointing season.
For that to happen, the Rangers (37-45) need to get their hitters on track. Scherzer (1-1) kept the Orioles’ potent offense in check, but Texas managed only four hits and got its only run in the seventh inning when two Orioles relievers issued four walks, the last with the bases loaded.
Suárez (4-2) allowed three hits and walked none in six innings. The 34-year-old snapped a two-game skid in which he allowed a combined eight runs and 16 hits over 8 2/3 innings.
Texas has lost five straight, its fourth skid of at least five games. In this one, the Rangers got the potential tying run in scoring position in the seventh and eighth innings but failed to cash in.
Craig Kimbrel worked the ninth for his 18th save in 22 tries.
Scherzer started the season on the injured list after undergoing back surgery in December. His recovery was slowed by right thumb soreness and nerve irritation in his throwing arm, but he returned last Sunday to pitch five innings of one-hit ball at Kansas City.
