Rangers Score Seven in 9th, Defeat Giants

A catcher’s interference call started a seven-run rally in the ninth inning--highlighted by pinch-hitter Mike Simms’ three-run double--and the Texas Rangers dumped San Francisco, 11-5, Thursday night.

The Rangers broke loose against Giants’ closer Rod Beck for their biggest inning of the season, dropping San Francisco 2 1/2 games behind the Dodgers in the NL West.

The Giants were 62-1 when leading after eight innings before Beck’s sixth blown save in 40 chances.

Pinch-hitter Marvin Benard’s single in the eighth put the Giants ahead, 5-4, and Beck (4-3) took over to start the ninth.

Jim Leyritz appeared to begin the inning by grounding out but was awarded first base because his bat nicked the glove of catcher Brian Johnson, who had just entered the game.

With one out, Ivan Rodriguez doubled pinch-runner Damon Buford to third and Rusty Greer was intentionally walked to load the bases. Juan Gonzalez drew a walk that forced home the tying run, and Simms doubled for an 8-5 lead.

Fernando Tatis followed with a run-scoring double, and Domingo Cedeno and Buford added RBI singles.

Matt Whiteside (3-1) gained the win in relief.

The game drew 18,852 fans, below the Giants’ home average of 19,564. San Francisco had averaged 36,871 in its previous four interleague home games, against Seattle in mid-June and Oakland in early July.