Texeira registers first big-league win

By Fred Guzman

MauiNow.com

Kanekoa Texeira is a winner. Literally. The 24-year-old right-handed reliever from Kula notched his first major-league pitching victory last night as the Kansas City Royals beat Houston 15-7.

After being greeted by a two-run double, Texeira settled down an allowed just one hit and one walk over two innings, benefiting from Kansas City’s seven-run outburst in the bottom of the fifth.

Kurt Suzuki returned to Oakland’s lineup after a three-game bereavement leave and contributed a hit in four at-bats, scored a run and stole a base as the Athletics beat the Chicago Cubs 9-5. The A’s remained four games back of AL West-leading Texas.

On a night that the New York Yankees had their way with Phillies ace Roy Halladay, Shane Victorino went 0-for-5 in the 8-3 loss. The two-time defending NL champion Phillies are third in the East, 3.5 games behind Atlanta.

Closer to home, Na Koa Ikaika Maui continued its hot play at home by opening a seven-game series with a 6-1 win over the St. George Roadrunners. Phil Avelas and Mark Okano homered in support of Donald Brandt as Maui improved its Golden Baseball League to 10-8. No Koa trails South Division leader Yuma by 2.5 games.

The series continues tonight at Iron Maehara Stadium. The first pich is schedule for 6:35. The game will be aired on ESPN 550 and espn550.com.