Rougned Odor is known by Texas Rangers fans as much by what he doesn't usually do - be patient, hit the other way and take what the game gives him - almost as much as he is by his immense talent.

But Odor showed what can happen when he does take what the game gives him as he took an Edwin Diaz fastball the other way for a three-run double Tuesday night to key a 9-5 victory in Seattle. 

It was the second time in his career that Odor, hitting just .214 with a .264 on-base percentage, got the best of the Mariners' closer, who leads the AL in saves. 

And Ronald Guzman continues to make the case he should stay in the big leagues with a 4-for-4 night and three RBIs. 

It was Aug. 30, 2016 — Diaz's rookie season — when Odor hit a two-run homer off the reliever in a dramatic 8-7 Rangers victory at Texas.

"I just try to do my best," Odor said. "He's a pitcher kind of like me — he competes and he's got a lot of energy. I like to face him."

Odor's biggest issue other than lack of patience - he's swinging at nearly 40 percent of pitches out of the zone - is a lack of line drives. His line-drive percentage is an ugly 10.8 percent.

"We've had some moments against Diaz in the past," Rangers manager Jeff Banister said. "Anytime he comes in, it raises the concentration level for all of our guys."

Before his meltdown, Diaz had allowed only five earned runs in 28 appearances this season. His 19 saves lead the American League.

"You'll have those games where you don't have your command, and you have to battle," Diaz said. "If something bad happens, it's unfortunate. You come back the next day."

WHAT'S IN A NAME?
The only big leaguers with hyphenated last names — the Rangers' duo of Austin Bibens-Dirkx and Kiner-Falefa, and former Mariners pitcher Ryan Rowland-Smith — met outside the visitors' clubhouse for a group photo before the game. Bibens-Dirkx and Rowland-Smith were teammates at Triple-A Buffalo in the Toronto organization in 2014.

TRAINER'S ROOM
Rangers: 3B Adrian Beltre (hamstring) is nearing a return to the team. For the first time since being placed on the 10-day disabled list May 15, Beltre ran the bases on a dirt infield before the game. He fielded grounders at third base and took batting practice. Banister wants to see his four-time All Star repeat the workload and come out of it feeling OK. "The last hurdle is being able to repeat and recover," Banister said. "Obviously, it is a great sign to see him go through everything he did today." ... RHP Tim Lincecum (blisters), who starred in high school up the road from Safeco Field, is nearing the end of his 30-day minor league assignment. Banister said Lincecum has to show consistency and "put together some competitive innings" at Triple-A Round Rock before the team would consider bringing him up. Lincecum has a 7.45 ERA in eight appearances. ... RHP Ricardo Rodriguez (arm) was activated from the 60-day DL and optioned to Round Rock.

Notes from The Associated Press

 

NEXT FIVE

Thursday – Texas Rangers (Mike Minor, 4-3, 5.63) at Seattle Mariners (Wade LeBlanc, 0-0, 2.70), 9 p.m., FSSW

Friday – Texas Rangers (Bartolo Colon 2-2, 3.51) at LA Angels (Garrett Richards 4-4, 3.67), 9 p.m., FSSW

Saturday – Texas Rangers (Cole Hamels 3-5, 3.74) at LA Angels (Tyler Skaggs 3-4, 3.60), 8 p.m., FSSW

Sunday – Texas Rangers (Doug Fister 1-5, 4.09) at LA Angels (Nick Tropeano 2-3, 3.86), 3 p.m., FSSW

Tuesday – Oakland Athletics at Texas Rangers (Matt Moore 1-5, 7.99) 7:05 p.m., FSSW