Rangers rough up Halladay again

TORONTO — Nelson Cruz and Ian Kinsler each hit two-run home runs and the Texas Rangers again roughed up Toronto ace Roy Halladay, beating the Blue Jays, 5-4, on Tuesday night.

The Rangers won on the road for the first time in four tries and have won consecutive games after losing seven of their previous eight games.

Halladay (3-1) gave up five runs and eight hits in eight innings, walking none and striking out nine. Five of the eight hits he surrendered were for extra bases.

In 20 games against Texas, Halladay is 7-7 with a 5.36 earned-run average, his highest against any American League opponent. He lost his only start against Texas in 2008, giving up four runs and 11 hits in nine innings.