Blue Jays Crush Rangers, 19-4

Carlos Delgado and the Toronto Blue Jays were a big hit in Texas.

The Blue Jays set a team record with 25 hits, including Delgado's fifth home run in four games, in a 19-4 rout Monday night over the Rangers.

"It was fun, you have to enjoy it," Delgado said. "Next time it could be the other way around."

"Tonight's game was important for us," said Shawn Green, who had three hits, including a homer, and drove in four runs. "To win like this, especially after winning two of the first three, is a huge confidence-booster for us."

Homer Bush and Tony Batista also homered for Toronto.

Bush and Jacob Brumfield each had four hits as Toronto broke the club record of 24 set on June 26, 1978, against Baltimore.

The 25 hits were the most ever allowed by Texas. Toronto matched the AL high for hits this year done by Baltimore on June 13 at Atlanta.

"It was one of those nights that everything they hit was either smoked or topped," Rangers manager Johnny Oates said. "Everything they hit fell in."

Rangers reliever Doug Davis made his major league debut and was tagged for 10 runs and 11 hits in 2 1-3 innings. Green hit a three-run shot in the sixth on Davis' third pitch, and the rookie later gave up a three-run homer to Batista and a two-run drive by Bush.

Delgado's homer off Mike Morgan (12-7) in the first inning was his fifth in the series, matching a Texas record for most home runs by an opponent in a set. John Mayberry of Kansas City had five in a three-game series on July 1-3, 1975.

It was Delgado's 31st of the season and 13th career against Texas, most ever by a Rangers opponent. Delgado finished the series with 11 hits and has hit .538 (14-for-26) against the Rangers this season. He had three hits and four RBIs Monday.

"He definitely had a great series," Toronto manager Jim Fregosi said. "He swings the bat well here and sees the ball well here."

The 19 runs were the most Toronto had ever scored against Texas. It was also the most allowed by the Rangers this season and one short of the team record. Six Toronto players had three or more hits and three players scored at least three runs.

Blue Jays starter Joey Hamilton (5-6) allowed three earned runs on five hits in five innings.

Ivan Rodriguez hit his 23rd homer in the Texas first. Rafael Palmeiro hit his 28th homer to lead off the third inning.

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