Jayson Nix launched two home runs to help the Cleveland Indians past the Texas Rangers, 9-3, in a three-game series opener Monday night.

Nix, who the Indians claimed off waivers from the Chicago White Sox on June 24, belted a solo home run in the fourth to give Cleveland a 5-1 lead. In the seventh, the second baseman roped a two-run blast to put the Indians up 9-3.

Carlos Santana and Matt LaPorta also added home runs for the Indians, who have won seven of their last nine games.

Joe Smith (1-1) earned the victory with 1 2/3 innings of scoreless relief after starter Aaron Laffey went 4 1/3 innings and allowed two runs - one earned - on five hits.

The Rangers managed single runs in the third, fifth and sixth innings. They loaded the bases with one out in the fifth in search of a big inning, but Frank Herrmann ended the threat by striking out sluggers Josh Hamilton and Nelson Cruz.

Texas starter Omar Beltre (0-1) went three innings, allowing four runs on four hits with three walks and three strikeouts.