ARLINGTON (AP) – Zebby Matthews allowed just one run on a leadoff homer and pitched seven strong innings Tuesday night, leading the Minnesota Twins to a 4-1 win over the Texas Rangers, who lost their eighth straight game and were officially eliminated from playoff contention.

The Rangers (79-78) were just two games back in the AL West on Sept. 13 and surging in the wild-card race after a 13-3 stretch that included two six-game winning streaks. But they haven't won since, falling 5 1/2 games behind Houston for the final American League playoff spot with only five games remaining.

Joc Pederson hit his ninth home run to give Texas an early lead, but Matthews (5-6) settled in, allowing only three singles the rest of the way. He struck out six and didn't walk a batter, matching the longest o

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