Rangers Are Right Tonic for Ashby

Andy Ashby gave up one run in eight innings in winning for the first time since July 20, as the Padres defeated the visiting Rangers, 4-1, Saturday night.

Ashby (7-10) tied a season high with seven strikeouts as he won for the first time in eight starts since beating Florida on July 20.

“I can’t say anything is solved,” Ashby said. “I’ve got to put this in my computer and hopefully in five days go out and do the same thing.”

Said Texas Manager Johnny Oates: “Andy made the pitches he had to. He kept us shut down. We never really got any offense going.”

Trevor Hoffman gave up one hit, but struck out three in the ninth for his 31st save in 37 chances.

Ashby, aided by two double plays, had not given up a Texas baserunner past second base heading into the eighth. But the Rangers reached him for their only run on Benji Gil’s leadoff double and a two-out single by Domingo Cedeno.

In seven starts since his last victory, Ashby was 0-4 with a 5.85 earned-run average.

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WHO: Texas Rangers

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WHEN: Tuesday, 6:30 p.m.

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