Beltre Doesn't Let Yanks Slide

A night after returning to the lineup after suffering a mild hamstring inflammation that struck fear into Rangers fans everywhere, Adrian Beltre came back out of his shell on Wednesday and played a big role in helping the Rangers take a 7-3 win over the New York Yankees and win their sixth straight series to start the season.

Beltre went 3-for-5 with a big home run almost to the top of Greene's Hill in center field and finished with three RBIs, including one on an RBI single that scored Ian Kinsler after the Yankees intentionally walked Josh Hamilton for the second time to face Beltre.

It's not too common to see a No. 3 hitter intentionally walked to face a cleanup hitter, especially once of Beltre's caliber. But it was the proper strategic move by Joe Girardi, especially when considering the start Hamilton is off to.

That just goes to show the tremendous talent in the Rangers' lineup, top to bottom, and how uncomfortable they make opposing pitchers.

Beltre is now hitting .313 with three home runs and 10 RBIs.

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