C.J. Wilson Shuts Down Tampa Bay Rays as Texas Rangers Win 8-0

C.J. Wilson threw a five-hitter, David Murphy drove in four runs and the AL West-leading Texas Rangers beat the Tampa Bay Rays 8-0 on Tuesday night.

Wilson improved his record to 15-6 to become the first Rangers pitcher since Aaron Sele in 1999 to compile consecutive 15-win seasons. According to MLB.com, he also helped the Rangers establish a team-record 18th shutout this season, the most by the organization since 1977, and the most by an American League team since the Athletics notched that many in 2002.

"We work really well together," Wilson said of his rotation mates. "The game plan is really important. Matt [Harrison], Derek [Holland] and I all working together like that, what works for one guy might work for the other guy. The rotation is a team in its own way."

Offensively, Murphy and Ian Kinsler homered for the Rangers, who are 3-2 on a six-game trip to Boston and Tampa Bay. Adrian Beltre extended his hitting streak to 12 games with a third-inning single.

Tampa Bay right-hander Jeff Niemann (9-7) gave up seven runs and nine hits in 4 2-3 innings. He has lost three of his last four starts.

The Rangers lead over the LA Angels is 3.5 games for the AL West lead.

Information from the Associated Press used in this report