Helling Is Back in Winner’s Circle

Rick Helling finally won again.

Helling broke a streak of four no-decisions with 6 2/3 strong innings for his first win in a month and the Rangers completed a three-game sweep of the San Francisco Giants with a 6-3 victory Tuesday night.

While Helling hasn’t been getting wins recently, the Rangers do well when he starts. In Helling’s 21 starts, the Rangers have 13 victories.

“That’s the key stat, do we win when I pitch?” Helling said. “I haven’t had big run support. Most of the games have been close. So if we win, that’s the main thing.”

Helling (7-7) got his first victory since June 16, breaking a string that included a loss in addition to the four consecutive no-decisions.

Jeff Zimmerman got the final two outs. He extended his club records to 21 scoreless relief appearances and 24 2/3 scoreless relief innings.

Shawn Estes (6-6) gave up six runs and eight hits in 5 2/3 innings. He struck out three and walked six.

The Giants were unable to get a runner past first until Barry Bonds’ hit a two-run homer in the seventh.

Texas took a 6-0 lead into the seventh when Jeff Kent singled with one out, the Giants’ fourth hit against Helling. Bonds followed with his 11th homer, a line drive into the right-field seats.

Helling, after giving up a walk and a single, was replaced by Mike Venafro, who allowed a run-scoring single to Scott Servais that made it 6-3. Venafro retired Marvin Benard on a popup to end the inning.

Helling gave up three runs and six hits, struck out four and walked two. He worked from behind in the count all night. Of his 119 pitches, 49 were balls.

“He battled back from 2-0 counts and made some big pitches when he had to,” Ranger Manager Johnny Oates said.

Todd Zeile and Ivan Rodriguez drove in two runs each for the Rangers, who have won five of six after the All-Star break.

“We’re starting to get a lot of confidence,” shortstop Royce Clayton said. “The Giants are a good club that doesn’t quit. We may have made it look easy [in sweeping the series] but it wasn’t.”

San Francisco has lost five of six overall and has dropped seven of its last eight in interleague play.