Scott Feldman tied a career high by pitching eight shutout innings in helping the Texas Rangers snap a two-game skid with a 2-0 victory over the Chicago White Sox on Sunday.
David Murphy had three hits, including a double, and Josh Hamilton and Nelson Cruz each scored a run for the Rangers, who host a four-game series against the Los Angeles Angels in a West Division showdown starting Monday.
Feldman (5-6) gave up seven hits and retired eight of the last 10 batters he faced. He was efficient, throwing only 88 pitches in matching the eight innings he has thrown on two other occasions, the last being June 2, 2010, also against the White Sox in Chicago.
Joe Nathan pitched a scoreless ninth for his 21st save. Gavin Floyd (8-9) gave up seven hits in 6 2-3 innings. He was 4-1 with a 1.67 ERA in his previous five starts.
Feldman, who started the season 0-6, won his fifth consecutive decision, including four as a starter. In his last two starts he has allowed only one run in 15 innings with 10 strikeouts and no walks.
Hamilton returned to the lineup for the Rangers, but not in his customary No. 3 slot. Manager Ron Washington penciled him in at No. 5.
Hamilton is hitting .115 in his last 17 games after going 0 for 2 with two walks as the designated hitter.
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He scored the Rangers' first run after reaching base on his second walk in the third inning. He advanced to third on Murphy's single and scored when shortstop Alexei Ramirez bobbled and dropped Mike Napoli's grounder in what would have been the third out.
Nelson Cruz, who doubled to lead off the fifth, scored the Rangers' second run, breaking for home from third when Floyd fielded Michael Young's dribbler in front of the plate and threw to first.
