Simms Helps Rangers Move Closer in Race

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. —  Mike Simms filled in beautifully for Will Clark on Saturday, hitting a home run in the Texas Rangers’ 8-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. How long he’ll fill in for Clark remains to be seen.

Clark, hitting .305 with 22 homers and 97 runs batted in, was hit by a pitch that fractured his right big toe.

“It could be anything from a couple of days to the rest of the year,” Ranger Manager Johnny Oates said.

Rick Helling reached 19 victories and Ivan Rodriguez also homered for the Rangers, who moved to within one game of the Angels for the AL West lead.

Helling (19-7) gave up eight hits, struck out four and walked three in eight innings to win his fourth consecutive decision and tie David Cone for the major league victory lead. Cone is 19-5 for the New York Yankees.