Appier Fails to Win 100th

Ivan Rodriguez and Rusty Greer hit back-to-back home runs in the third inning and rookie Julio Santana effectively pitched into the seventh inning Saturday night as the Texas Rangers defeated the Kansas City Royals, 3-1, at Arlington, Texas.

Santana (3-2), who lost his previous two starts, gave up one run and seven hits in 6 2/3 innings.

John Wetteland pitched the ninth for his 12th save in 13 tries.

Kevin Appier (4-4) failed in his fifth attempt to notch his 100th career victory. He gave up eight hits and three walks in seven innings, but had nine strike outs.