Indians fall to Rangers, still 4.5 games up on Tigers

Arlington, Texas — Derek Holland allowed one run over six innings in his second start off the disabled list, new left fielder Carlos Gomez made two highlight-reel catches and the AL-best Texas Rangers held off the Cleveland Indians, 2-1, on Sunday.

The Rangers took three of four in the series between division leaders, the first time since 1999 both teams were in first place when playing each other after the All-Star break.

Cleveland loaded the bases with one out in the ninth against closer Sam Dyson, who struck out pinch-hitter Tyler Naquin and retired Abraham Almonte on a fly ball to end it.

Ian Desmond and Jonathan Lucroy each had an RBI single for Texas, which has an 8 1/2-game lead in the AL West with five weeks left in the season.

Holland (6-6) struck out five without a walk while yielding only four singles. The left-hander, who missed two months because of shoulder inflammation before returning Tuesday at Cincinnati, got a big boost from Gomez and his glove.

Dyson worked a scoreless ninth for his 29th save in 33 chances. He gave up a single and two walks, but held on.

Danny Salazar (11-6) lost his third consecutive decision in four August starts despite matching his season high with 10 strikeouts and allowing just two runs in 5 1/3 innings.

In the sixth, with two Indians still on base and two outs after Jason Kipnis’ RBI single cut the margin to 2-1, Mike Napoli hit a hard liner to left. Gomez made a runs-saving grab while sprinting back and reaching over his head for another highlight-quality play.

That came an inning after Gomez made a leaping catch with his glove extended as his body crashed into the left-field wall to rob Jose Ramirez of a hit.

Gomez was playing his fourth game for Texas. He played 85 games this season for Houston before the Astros designated the two-time All-Star for assignment Aug. 10.

Desmond’s run-scoring single in the second came on the first pitch after Elvis Andrus had initially been called out on a stolen base. The Rangers challenged and Andrus was ruled safe on a replay review that extended the inning.