Koby Clemens had a double, an RBI single and scored a run to back seven solid innings from starter Zebby Matthews as the Minnesota Twins defeated the reeling Texas Rangers 4-1 on Tuesday in the opener of a three-game series in Arlington, Texas.

The loss was a season-high eighth straight for the Rangers (79-78) and mathematically eliminated them from the postseason. Texas was within two games of the American League West lead and a game back in the race for the league's final wild-card spot on Sept. 14 before its swoon.

Minnesota (68-89), which has long been excused from postseason consideration, has won two straight games for just the second time since capturing three in a row Aug 5-8.

Matthews scattered four hits and struck out six without issuing a walk to win for just the second time

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