Cedeno Knocks In Rangers’ Winner

ARLINGTON, Texas —  Domingo Cedeno singled home the go-ahead run in the eighth inning Friday night, sending the Texas Rangers past the Minnesota Twins 6-5.

Juan Gonzalez, who earlier hit his 35th home run, drew a one-out walk from Greg Swindell (7-4) in the eighth and Lee Stevens singled. Gonzalez moved to third on a fly out and scored when Cedeno singled off Todd Ritchie.

Cedeno has been swinging a hot bat, going six for 14 in his last four games and hitting safely in 23 of his last 26 starts.

“I tried to see the ball with two strikes and put the ball in play,” Cedeno said. “Last year I didn’t get to play a lot [with Toronto and the Chicago White Sox], but the more I play, the better I’ve been hitting.”

Julio Santana (4-5) faced only one batter, striking out pinch-hitter Paul Molitor with runners on first and second to end the eighth, and picked up the victory. John Wetteland pitched the ninth for his 29th save.

The Twins scored three times in the sixth for a 5-4 lead. David Ortiz and Rich Becker singled off starter John Burkett, and Pat Meares hit an RBI single off Matt Whiteside. Todd Walker’s two-run double put the Twins in front.

“It’s more exciting to win in your last at-bat, but wins are the important thing,” Ranger Manager Johnny Oates said.

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NEXT SERIES FOR ANGELS

WHO: Minnesota Twins

WHERE: Anaheim Stadium

WHEN: Monday, 7 p.m.

Tuesday, 7 p.m.