Cubs’ big sixth inning upends Rangers

The Chicago Cubs scored five times in the sixth inning against Martin Perez, and the Texas Rangers were held to three hits in six innings by former prospect Kyle Hendricks in a 6-0 loss to open baseball’s second half.

Dating to July 2, the Rangers have lost eight of their past 10 games.

Hitting: Former Rangers prospect Kyle Hendricks, traded away in 2012 for Ryan Dempster, allowed three hits in six scoreless innings. ... Among the hits was the first career hit for Martin Perez, an infield nubber that went about 70 feet. ... The Rangers’ lone threat came in the first. Rougned Odor reached third with one out, but Nomar Mazara struck out and Prince Fielder grounded out after a two-out walk to Adrian Beltre.　

Pitching: Perez gave the Rangers their longest start since he went seven innings July 1 at Minnesota. He lasted 5 2/3 innings against the Cubs, allowing five of the six runs against him in a disastrous sixth inning. ... The Cubs’ first run came in the second on a two-out single by Javier Baez. ... Chicago had only two hits when Kris Bryant opened the sixth with a single. Anthony Rizzo followed with a double, and he and Bryant scored two batters later on a single by Addison Russell. A throwing error by Prince Fielder allowed another run to score before Perez got two outs. ... Matt Szczur, a right-handed pinch-hitter, delivered a two-run single to end Perez’s day. ... Right-hander Tony Barnette was warm for the Rangers.

This story was originally published July 15, 2016 at 4:05 PM with the headline "Cubs’ big sixth inning upends Rangers."