Rays squeeze out 7-6 victory over Texas

Fernando Perez drove home the go-ahead run with a squeeze bunt in the ninth inning for Tampa Bay, which overcame a five-run deficit to beat Texas 7-6 on Sunday, spoiling the Rangers' home finale and hurting their already slim playoff hopes.

The Rangers led 5-0 when Brandon McCarthy threw his last pitch with two outs in the eighth, after an error by third baseman Chris Davis extended the inning. Four relievers faltered after that.

Ben Zobrist hit a two-run single in the eighth and ninth for Tampa Bay, which avoided its second sweep in Texas this season.

Nelson Cruz and Marlon Byrd homered for Texas (86-69), which opens a four-game series Monday against the AL West-leading Los Angeles Angels.