Streaking Kazmir gets 10 strikeouts

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- The Tampa Bay Rays have turned the standings upside down.

Scott Kazmir won his fourth straight start, striking out 10 in seven innings to lead the AL East-leading Rays over the Texas Rangers, 7-3, Monday night.

Eric Hinske hit a three-run homer for the Rays, who have won 16 of their last 17 home games and at 31-20 have the best record in the major leagues. Tampa Bay is only the second team -- joining the 1903 New York Giants -- to have the best mark on Memorial Day after finishing with the worst record in the big leagues the previous season (66-96).

“We know that a lot of people think we’ll probably fade at the end,” left fielder Carl Crawford said. “We just want to try to show people it’s no fluke.”

Despite being 11 games over .500 for the first time, the Rays drew an announced 12,174.

Kazmir (4-1) retired his first 10 batters, seven on strikeouts, before Michael Young singled in the fourth inning. Kazmir gave up one run and three hits. He has given up two runs over 26 innings during his winning streak.

From the Associated Press