I’m going to be blunt.
Problem 1: Scoring a franchise playoff low eight points in the first quarter
Problem 2: Four fouls on superstar Dirk Nowitzki midway through the second quarter
Problem 3: Extremely minimal production for Jason Kidd and Jason Terry. Kidd scored three and Terry two points in Game 6.
The above list represents why the Mavs, after a hard-fought and valiant effort in the middle quarters, could not complete the improbable comeback. The win advanced the Spurs to the second round of the Western Conference playoffs.
There is really not much that can be said after the first quarter. You had to see it. Basically, it felt like the Mavs were just helplessly putting a tourniquet around themselves that would make it impossible to win the game. Caron Butler scored two baskets and Dirk had two baskets, but that was it. The Mavs shot 4 of 18 for the quarter, a quarter that finally ended with them down 22-8.
Maybe the Mavs didn’t get the memo that this game started at 7 p.m. and not 8:30 p.m. like most of the other games in the series.
But despite early foul trouble, Nowitzki still played with the grit and heart we usually see from him. He scored 13 of his 33 points in the third quarter, including a 3-pointer that briefly put the Mavs ahead for the only time all night at 57-56. Any lift the Mavs got from that small lead quickly dissipated as the Spurs responded with a 14-6 run to close the quarter. Manu Ginobili, who led the Spurs with 26 points, hit a 3 within seconds of Dirk’s to squelch any momentum. Dallas outscored the Spurs 29-23 for the quarter.
The Spurs also provided an answer, and the Mavs didn’t make baskets when they really needed to.
Positive Note: Rodrique Beaubois proved he can play in high-pressure situations, coming in with 6:13 left in the second quarter. With the deficit 35-16 at the time, Beaubois had eight points to end the quarter and helped carve the score down to 47-34.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Ninth Inning Does Rangers In: Tigers 8 Rangers 6
Neftali Feliz surrendered back-to-back homers to Miguel Cabrera and Brandon Inge in the ninth inning Monday to give the Tigers an 8-6 win and split of the series.
After being down 4-0 in the first and 6-1 in the fourth, the Rangers scored in four consecutive innings to tie the game at 6-6. In the fourth, Josh Hamilton’s second homer of the season got the Rangers on the board. Nelson Cruz came in from third on a wild pitch that rolled down the first base line in the fifth. Cruz singled and reached third on a double to the wall by Justin Smoak for Smoak’s first Major League hit. The only problem is that Cruz has been dealing with a mild hamstring strain and may have aggravated it running home.
David Murphy replaced Cruz in right field and would also play a role in the comeback. After Hamilton and Vladimir Guerrero singled with two outs in the sixth, Murphy, who has seen more playing time in the last couple of games, doubled home them both to make the score 6-4.
Singles from Andres Blanco, Julio Borbon and Michael Young loaded the bases for Guerrero, a nearly .400 career hitter, at Rangers Ballpark. His single plated two and leveled the game at 6 apiece.
Matt Harrison started and gave up all six runs to that point. He struggled in the first inning, facing eight batters and allowing the first four to reach. He recovered to pitch six innings, more than Tigers starter Jeremy Bonderman, who retired the first 11 batters against him.
Chris Ray and Frank Francisco pitched scoreless baseball in the seventh and eighth.
After being down 4-0 in the first and 6-1 in the fourth, the Rangers scored in four consecutive innings to tie the game at 6-6. In the fourth, Josh Hamilton’s second homer of the season got the Rangers on the board. Nelson Cruz came in from third on a wild pitch that rolled down the first base line in the fifth. Cruz singled and reached third on a double to the wall by Justin Smoak for Smoak’s first Major League hit. The only problem is that Cruz has been dealing with a mild hamstring strain and may have aggravated it running home.
David Murphy replaced Cruz in right field and would also play a role in the comeback. After Hamilton and Vladimir Guerrero singled with two outs in the sixth, Murphy, who has seen more playing time in the last couple of games, doubled home them both to make the score 6-4.
Singles from Andres Blanco, Julio Borbon and Michael Young loaded the bases for Guerrero, a nearly .400 career hitter, at Rangers Ballpark. His single plated two and leveled the game at 6 apiece.
Matt Harrison started and gave up all six runs to that point. He struggled in the first inning, facing eight batters and allowing the first four to reach. He recovered to pitch six innings, more than Tigers starter Jeremy Bonderman, who retired the first 11 batters against him.
Chris Ray and Frank Francisco pitched scoreless baseball in the seventh and eighth.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Elvis’s Big Hit: Rangers 5 Tigers 4
Elvis Andrus’s bases-loaded game-winning single in the bottom of the ninth sent the Tigers back to their Heartbreak Hotel and gave the Rangers a 5-4 win to open the Elvis weekend at the ballpark, honoring both the singer and the shortstop.
After loading the bases on walks, including an intentional pass to pinch hitter Ryan Garko, Elvis Andrus came to the plate against Ryan Perry. On 0-2, he knocked a short single into an open outfield to score Justin Smoak, who was playing in his first Major League game.
The single preserved the much-needed win for the Rangers after the previously untouchable Neftali Feliz blew the save, giving up three hits and two runs in a two-out rally by the Tigers in the top of the night. One 21-year-old phenom picks up another one. Rest assured though the hits were more of the bloop variety rather than screamers off the bat.
For the game, Smoak was 0 for 2 with a groundout, a flyout and two walks.
After loading the bases on walks, including an intentional pass to pinch hitter Ryan Garko, Elvis Andrus came to the plate against Ryan Perry. On 0-2, he knocked a short single into an open outfield to score Justin Smoak, who was playing in his first Major League game.
The single preserved the much-needed win for the Rangers after the previously untouchable Neftali Feliz blew the save, giving up three hits and two runs in a two-out rally by the Tigers in the top of the night. One 21-year-old phenom picks up another one. Rest assured though the hits were more of the bloop variety rather than screamers off the bat.
For the game, Smoak was 0 for 2 with a groundout, a flyout and two walks.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Rangers At Least End Road Trip Well: Rangers 3 Red Sox 0
After being swept by the New York Yankees and two demoralizing losses at Fenway Park thanks in large part to an unknown call-up named Darnell McDonald, the Rangers needed someone to go the mound and calmly get the job done.
C.J. Wilson was that guy Thursday night. After allowing just four hits in 6 2/3 innings, Wilson got his first Major League win as a starter. He served as the catalyst as the Rangers shutout the Red Sox 3-0 to end what had become a disturbing slide.
With only two strikeouts, Wilson recorded 14 groundouts and four flyouts for the game. Elvis Andrus proved to be Wilson right-hand man as he gathered up at least six of those balls.
All the Rangers’ offense came in the seventh inning. They got hits with runners in scoring position, stolen bases and a break of their own. Josh Hamilton led off the inning with a double and came home on a single by Nelson Cruz. Cruz stole second as the Red Sox notoriously do not hold runners on well. David Murphy, in right field for the night, reloaded at second. The next batter, Chris Davis lined out to first but successfully advanced Murphy to third base.
Andres Blanco, looking for his first hit of the season in limited action, successfully bunted for a single. The ball was overthrown by Red Sox starter
Clay Buchholz and ended up down the right field line and bobbled again by third baseman Adrian Beltre. Scored a double error, Blanco got to third on the play but was stranded.
Buccholz pitched 6 2/3 innings just like Wilson. He struck out a career high 10 batters.
Darren O’Day and Darren Oliver came on after Wilson to bring the shutout home. Oliver was credited with a save after inducing a 5-4-3 double play from Mike Lowell to seal the victory.
Cruz went 1 for 3 batting in the cleanup spot as the designated hitter. Vladimir Guerrero rested for the first time this season.
Notes:
Chris Davis was sent to AAA following Thursday’s game. He has struck out 17 times in 48 at-bats and has just one RBI on the season. He will be replaced on the roster by Justin Smoak. Davis responded well when he was temporarily sent down last season.
C.J. Wilson was that guy Thursday night. After allowing just four hits in 6 2/3 innings, Wilson got his first Major League win as a starter. He served as the catalyst as the Rangers shutout the Red Sox 3-0 to end what had become a disturbing slide.
With only two strikeouts, Wilson recorded 14 groundouts and four flyouts for the game. Elvis Andrus proved to be Wilson right-hand man as he gathered up at least six of those balls.
All the Rangers’ offense came in the seventh inning. They got hits with runners in scoring position, stolen bases and a break of their own. Josh Hamilton led off the inning with a double and came home on a single by Nelson Cruz. Cruz stole second as the Red Sox notoriously do not hold runners on well. David Murphy, in right field for the night, reloaded at second. The next batter, Chris Davis lined out to first but successfully advanced Murphy to third base.
Andres Blanco, looking for his first hit of the season in limited action, successfully bunted for a single. The ball was overthrown by Red Sox starter
Clay Buchholz and ended up down the right field line and bobbled again by third baseman Adrian Beltre. Scored a double error, Blanco got to third on the play but was stranded.
Buccholz pitched 6 2/3 innings just like Wilson. He struck out a career high 10 batters.
Darren O’Day and Darren Oliver came on after Wilson to bring the shutout home. Oliver was credited with a save after inducing a 5-4-3 double play from Mike Lowell to seal the victory.
Cruz went 1 for 3 batting in the cleanup spot as the designated hitter. Vladimir Guerrero rested for the first time this season.
Notes:
Chris Davis was sent to AAA following Thursday’s game. He has struck out 17 times in 48 at-bats and has just one RBI on the season. He will be replaced on the roster by Justin Smoak. Davis responded well when he was temporarily sent down last season.
Sleepy Start Leads To Bad Results: Spurs 102 Mavericks 88
I mentioned that the Mavericks needed to avoid a slow start in Game 2. The message apparently got lost in space.
The Mavs had a big, glaring 0 on the scoreboard until Caron Butler got a 3-pointer to go with 7:45 left in the first quarter. The Spurs scored the first nine points of the game, and the Mavs are lucky that it didn’t turn into more of a runaway early. Missing your first six shots and 12 of your first 13 is not going to get anybody a commanding 2-0 advantage in the playoffs as the series is now tied 1-1 after a 102-88 Mavs loss
But the Mavs, down 16-6 with 4:16 left in the quarter used free throws from Butler, Shawn Marion and Jason Terry, two layups from the Jet and a J.J. Barea 3 to finish the quarter only down by a respectable four to the Spurs at 24-20.
The Mavs entered the second quarter with a little momentum despite Matt Bonner shooting a 3 to put the Spurs up by seven. Terry, who led the offensive attack with 27, answered back. Despite the deficit, a Brendan Haywood slam dunk at the 8:34 mark got the Mavs within one, down 34-33. Following a jump shot by Tony Parker, who had 16 on the night, a pair of Terry free throws placed the Mavs in good position again at 36-35. A 12-1 run by San Antonio nixed any immediate comeback hopes as the Spurs took a 48-36 lead. They left the court for halftime with a 58-46 advantage. Spurs forward Richard Jefferson notched 17 of his 19 points in the first half.
The Mavs missed their first three shot attempts to open the second half. It didn’t look promising. Jason Kidd, another veteran the Mavs could lean on, shot 1 for 7 for the game with five points. Dirk Nowitki, who finished with 24 after not scoring in the first quarter, began to show his presence in the third with six points in the quarter. But it was a technical foul on Nowitzki with 3:25 left in the third that allowed the Spurs to take a 20-point lead at 80-60.
Despite getting to within single digits, the Mavs allowed too many San Antonio runs in the fourth, including an 8-0 run in which Dallas didn’t score for 3:30 minutes.
Tim Duncan was the top rebounder for the Spurs with 17 boards and 25 points. The Mavs, who were trying to focus on the rebound battle, were outnumbered 51-42.
In a big hole early, the Mavs failed to fully recover and only shooting 36.5 percent for the game led to their 102-88 downfall. The series shifts to San Antonio for weekend games on Friday at 8:30 p.m. and Sunday at 6 p.m.
The Mavs had a big, glaring 0 on the scoreboard until Caron Butler got a 3-pointer to go with 7:45 left in the first quarter. The Spurs scored the first nine points of the game, and the Mavs are lucky that it didn’t turn into more of a runaway early. Missing your first six shots and 12 of your first 13 is not going to get anybody a commanding 2-0 advantage in the playoffs as the series is now tied 1-1 after a 102-88 Mavs loss
But the Mavs, down 16-6 with 4:16 left in the quarter used free throws from Butler, Shawn Marion and Jason Terry, two layups from the Jet and a J.J. Barea 3 to finish the quarter only down by a respectable four to the Spurs at 24-20.
The Mavs entered the second quarter with a little momentum despite Matt Bonner shooting a 3 to put the Spurs up by seven. Terry, who led the offensive attack with 27, answered back. Despite the deficit, a Brendan Haywood slam dunk at the 8:34 mark got the Mavs within one, down 34-33. Following a jump shot by Tony Parker, who had 16 on the night, a pair of Terry free throws placed the Mavs in good position again at 36-35. A 12-1 run by San Antonio nixed any immediate comeback hopes as the Spurs took a 48-36 lead. They left the court for halftime with a 58-46 advantage. Spurs forward Richard Jefferson notched 17 of his 19 points in the first half.
The Mavs missed their first three shot attempts to open the second half. It didn’t look promising. Jason Kidd, another veteran the Mavs could lean on, shot 1 for 7 for the game with five points. Dirk Nowitki, who finished with 24 after not scoring in the first quarter, began to show his presence in the third with six points in the quarter. But it was a technical foul on Nowitzki with 3:25 left in the third that allowed the Spurs to take a 20-point lead at 80-60.
Despite getting to within single digits, the Mavs allowed too many San Antonio runs in the fourth, including an 8-0 run in which Dallas didn’t score for 3:30 minutes.
Tim Duncan was the top rebounder for the Spurs with 17 boards and 25 points. The Mavs, who were trying to focus on the rebound battle, were outnumbered 51-42.
In a big hole early, the Mavs failed to fully recover and only shooting 36.5 percent for the game led to their 102-88 downfall. The series shifts to San Antonio for weekend games on Friday at 8:30 p.m. and Sunday at 6 p.m.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Dirk Leads Mavs Past Spurs in Game 1: Mavericks 100 Spurs 94
Every game between the Dallas Mavericks and San Antonio Spurs this season has been decided by single digits. In Sunday’s 100-94 Mavericks win, a lead of three points or less seemed to be mentioned every couple of minutes.
With 36 points, Dirk Nowitzki secured those leads time and time again. Nowitzki sits in select company, having scored 30 or more points in 35 separate playoff games throughout his career. Nowitzki was an amazing 12 of 14 shooting and 12 for 12 at the line for his three dozen points. Not to be overly dramatic, but you really can’t get much better than that.
So although the Mavs only shot in the 30 percent range for most of the game, Nowitki remained the go-to guy with 19 points in the first half and 17 points in the second. Playing 39:52 minutes, Caron Butler found the basket for 22 points and six defensive rebounds. Brendan Haywood helped in the first half too, scoring 10 points off the bench.
Tim Duncan and M. Ginobili were the Spurs’ offensive duo, scoring 27 and 26 points, respectively.
Defensively, the Mavs had 45 rebounds to the Spurs’ 37 boards. Erick Dampier contributed 12 rebounds to the Mavs’ total. Veteran Jason Kidd put up 13 points and 11 assists for a double-double.
Game 2, also at American Airlines Center, is schedule for 8:30 p.m. Wednesday. Hopefully, the Mavs won’t come out sluggish after the long layoff.
With 36 points, Dirk Nowitzki secured those leads time and time again. Nowitzki sits in select company, having scored 30 or more points in 35 separate playoff games throughout his career. Nowitzki was an amazing 12 of 14 shooting and 12 for 12 at the line for his three dozen points. Not to be overly dramatic, but you really can’t get much better than that.
So although the Mavs only shot in the 30 percent range for most of the game, Nowitki remained the go-to guy with 19 points in the first half and 17 points in the second. Playing 39:52 minutes, Caron Butler found the basket for 22 points and six defensive rebounds. Brendan Haywood helped in the first half too, scoring 10 points off the bench.
Tim Duncan and M. Ginobili were the Spurs’ offensive duo, scoring 27 and 26 points, respectively.
Defensively, the Mavs had 45 rebounds to the Spurs’ 37 boards. Erick Dampier contributed 12 rebounds to the Mavs’ total. Veteran Jason Kidd put up 13 points and 11 assists for a double-double.
Game 2, also at American Airlines Center, is schedule for 8:30 p.m. Wednesday. Hopefully, the Mavs won’t come out sluggish after the long layoff.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Sabathia On Target Against Rangers:Yankees 5 Rangers 1
This game was called after six innings.
The first inning may have been the Rangers’ best opportunity to score against C.C. Sabathia.
A Michael Young double, Josh Hamilton single and Vladimir Guerrero sacrifice fly plated a run for the Rangers, giving them an early lead at Yankee Stadium. The problem is the Yankees answered that run, scoring on what was scored a passed ball charged to Taylor Teagarden. The UT product got a glove on a ball, but it bounced off the top part of the mitt.
The problem was that Sabathia personified the definition of spot on since allowing two hits in the first. Beginning with the last out of the first inning, Nelson Cruz, who has been doing everything but striking out, Sabathia struck out six in a row. The streak ended on a Young flyout to right in the third. Not often do I get excited about a fly out, but at least he put the ball in play. Sabathia recorded nine total strikeouts at the delay.
A Joaquin Arias single in the fifth and Julio Borbon HBP to begin the sixth account for the rest of the Rangers’ baserunners. The single by Arias was the last if three hits for the Rangers.
Spotty fielding in the last two games from surefire guys like Michael Young, Chris Davis and Elvis Andrus cost the Rangers in the bottom of the fourth. Alex Rodriguez reached base on a HBP call, although replays showed he was not hit. Following an infield hit and a walk, Davis could not pick Young’s throw on Curtis Granderson and three runs scored in the inning.
To add to the fielding woes, C.J. Wilson, pitching after recovering from food poisoning, couldn’t hold a popup in the bottom of the sixth as the Yankees scored again to go up 5-1.
Wilson pitched the whole way at the time of the delay, just before the top of the seventh inning, tallying five strikeouts and three walks. Two of the five runs scored by the Yankees were unearned. In the stats, the game counts as a rain-shortened complete game for both pitchers.
The first inning may have been the Rangers’ best opportunity to score against C.C. Sabathia.
A Michael Young double, Josh Hamilton single and Vladimir Guerrero sacrifice fly plated a run for the Rangers, giving them an early lead at Yankee Stadium. The problem is the Yankees answered that run, scoring on what was scored a passed ball charged to Taylor Teagarden. The UT product got a glove on a ball, but it bounced off the top part of the mitt.
The problem was that Sabathia personified the definition of spot on since allowing two hits in the first. Beginning with the last out of the first inning, Nelson Cruz, who has been doing everything but striking out, Sabathia struck out six in a row. The streak ended on a Young flyout to right in the third. Not often do I get excited about a fly out, but at least he put the ball in play. Sabathia recorded nine total strikeouts at the delay.
A Joaquin Arias single in the fifth and Julio Borbon HBP to begin the sixth account for the rest of the Rangers’ baserunners. The single by Arias was the last if three hits for the Rangers.
Spotty fielding in the last two games from surefire guys like Michael Young, Chris Davis and Elvis Andrus cost the Rangers in the bottom of the fourth. Alex Rodriguez reached base on a HBP call, although replays showed he was not hit. Following an infield hit and a walk, Davis could not pick Young’s throw on Curtis Granderson and three runs scored in the inning.
To add to the fielding woes, C.J. Wilson, pitching after recovering from food poisoning, couldn’t hold a popup in the bottom of the sixth as the Yankees scored again to go up 5-1.
Wilson pitched the whole way at the time of the delay, just before the top of the seventh inning, tallying five strikeouts and three walks. Two of the five runs scored by the Yankees were unearned. In the stats, the game counts as a rain-shortened complete game for both pitchers.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Final Clincher: Mavericks 96 Spurs 89
By beating the San Antonio Spurs at American Airlines Center on Wednesday night, the Mavericks clinched second place in the Western Conference for the playoffs. The final game of the regular season served as a playoff preview. The second-seeded Mavs will have home-court advantage against the seventh-seeded Spurs when the first round of the postseason begins this weekend.
In four postseason series, each team has come away victorious twice, but the Mavs have topped the Spurs in the two most recent matchups.
In four postseason series, each team has come away victorious twice, but the Mavs have topped the Spurs in the two most recent matchups.
Colby Lewis, Nelson Cruz Lead Rangers To Victory: Rangers 6 Indians 2
Despite striking out three times, Nelson Cruz still added to his American League-leading home run and RBI totals. With his long ball in the third inning off losing pitcher Justin Masterson, Cruz now has six home runs in eight games.
Cruz’s homer helped the Rangers jump out to a 4-0 lead after three innings. The Rangers, who outhit the Indians 9-1 after four innings, finished with 15 hits to the Indians’ 5. Colby Lewis went to the mound a day early as C.J. Wilson tries to recover from a sudden case of food poisoning. According to the TV broadcast, Wilson said he lost seven pounds during the illness. Tuesday’s off-day allowed Lewis to pitch on the normal amount of rest.
To start the scoring, leadoff man Julio Borbon got to second base with nobody out. Josh Hamilton’s RBI double scored Borbon before the duo of Vladimir Guerrero and Cruz swung at three strikes each.
The top of the inning went much smoother than Lewis’ 37-pitch adventure for the bottom half. Full counts were common throughout the night. A 10-pitch at-bat with Grady Sizemore turned into a walk rather than an out, and the same held true for a drawn-out Shin-Soo Coo at-bat. Travis Hafner absorbed a ball to his body to take his base. But bearing down, Lewis recorded consecutive strikeouts, the first two of his career-high 10 punchouts in 5 1/3 innings, to wipe out the bases loaded threat. Lewis tallied two strikeouts in each of the first four innings, one in the fifth and one in the sixth.
In the second, Chris Davis smashed a ball to left center for a two-bagger. Matt Treanor and Joaquin Arias failed to advance him, but with two outs, Elvis Andrus delivered an RBI to make the score 2-0. Prior to Cruz’s blast, Young reached on an error and Hamilton singled for his second of three hits on the night. Guerrero grounded out for an RBI, and Cruz immediately put his stamp on the game.
A single by Matt LaPorta, walk by Luis Valbuena and a Michael Brantley double just beyond the reach of Chris Davis resulted in two Indian runs in the sixth. That was all the offense the Indians could muster, despite leaving a dozen men on base. Cruz robbed Valbuena in the eighth of an extra-base hit with a well-timed jump and catch.
The Rangers have now won three in a row and go for a fourth at 11:05 a.m. Thursday morning. Matt Harrison will likely start, while Wilson will be pushed back to this weekend against the Yankees.
Cruz’s homer helped the Rangers jump out to a 4-0 lead after three innings. The Rangers, who outhit the Indians 9-1 after four innings, finished with 15 hits to the Indians’ 5. Colby Lewis went to the mound a day early as C.J. Wilson tries to recover from a sudden case of food poisoning. According to the TV broadcast, Wilson said he lost seven pounds during the illness. Tuesday’s off-day allowed Lewis to pitch on the normal amount of rest.
To start the scoring, leadoff man Julio Borbon got to second base with nobody out. Josh Hamilton’s RBI double scored Borbon before the duo of Vladimir Guerrero and Cruz swung at three strikes each.
The top of the inning went much smoother than Lewis’ 37-pitch adventure for the bottom half. Full counts were common throughout the night. A 10-pitch at-bat with Grady Sizemore turned into a walk rather than an out, and the same held true for a drawn-out Shin-Soo Coo at-bat. Travis Hafner absorbed a ball to his body to take his base. But bearing down, Lewis recorded consecutive strikeouts, the first two of his career-high 10 punchouts in 5 1/3 innings, to wipe out the bases loaded threat. Lewis tallied two strikeouts in each of the first four innings, one in the fifth and one in the sixth.
In the second, Chris Davis smashed a ball to left center for a two-bagger. Matt Treanor and Joaquin Arias failed to advance him, but with two outs, Elvis Andrus delivered an RBI to make the score 2-0. Prior to Cruz’s blast, Young reached on an error and Hamilton singled for his second of three hits on the night. Guerrero grounded out for an RBI, and Cruz immediately put his stamp on the game.
A single by Matt LaPorta, walk by Luis Valbuena and a Michael Brantley double just beyond the reach of Chris Davis resulted in two Indian runs in the sixth. That was all the offense the Indians could muster, despite leaving a dozen men on base. Cruz robbed Valbuena in the eighth of an extra-base hit with a well-timed jump and catch.
The Rangers have now won three in a row and go for a fourth at 11:05 a.m. Thursday morning. Matt Harrison will likely start, while Wilson will be pushed back to this weekend against the Yankees.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Mavs Claim 27th Road Win: Mavericks 117 Clippers 94
The fact that the now 54-27 Dallas Mavericks were going to beat the 28-53 LA Clippers was never ever in doubt. The question was how emphatically would they do it and what would the game mean for the Mavs’ playoff seeding.
With a 37-point opening quarter and in the fourth quarter leading by that same number at 106-69 after a DeShawn Stevenson 3-pointer, the win was definitely empathic. With the victory, the Mavs’ will be no lower than the #3 seed in the Western Conference playoffs. If they come out on top in their final regular-season game against the Spurs at home Wednesday, they will be the #2 team.
Shawn Marion returned to the court Monday after missing the previous three games with a strained oblique muscle. He tallied 21 points for the game and 12 in the first half. Marion’s final two points of the half were by far the most memorable. They came as Marion was airborne and Jason Kidd passed him the ball off the backboard for the dunk.
Already leading 64-43 at halftime, the Mavs put another explosive 35-point quarter together in the third. As a result, Dirk Nowitzki, who finished with 25, and Jason Kidd with 12, rested the entire fourth quarter. Every player who dressed saw time on the floor. Caron Butler did not suit up as he was bothered by a strained hip flexor that is not considered serious. Rodrique Beaubois showed off a well-rounded performance in his place with 11 points, six rebounds and five assists in 18:03 minutes. Stevenson recorded 12 points off the bench, a new season high for him.
With four made free throws on the night, Nowitzki’s active team record for consecutive made free throws now stands at 72.
With a 37-point opening quarter and in the fourth quarter leading by that same number at 106-69 after a DeShawn Stevenson 3-pointer, the win was definitely empathic. With the victory, the Mavs’ will be no lower than the #3 seed in the Western Conference playoffs. If they come out on top in their final regular-season game against the Spurs at home Wednesday, they will be the #2 team.
Shawn Marion returned to the court Monday after missing the previous three games with a strained oblique muscle. He tallied 21 points for the game and 12 in the first half. Marion’s final two points of the half were by far the most memorable. They came as Marion was airborne and Jason Kidd passed him the ball off the backboard for the dunk.
Already leading 64-43 at halftime, the Mavs put another explosive 35-point quarter together in the third. As a result, Dirk Nowitzki, who finished with 25, and Jason Kidd with 12, rested the entire fourth quarter. Every player who dressed saw time on the floor. Caron Butler did not suit up as he was bothered by a strained hip flexor that is not considered serious. Rodrique Beaubois showed off a well-rounded performance in his place with 11 points, six rebounds and five assists in 18:03 minutes. Stevenson recorded 12 points off the bench, a new season high for him.
With four made free throws on the night, Nowitzki’s active team record for consecutive made free throws now stands at 72.
Monday, April 12, 2010
In Cruz Control: Rangers 4 Indians 2 (10)
Nelson Cruz now has five home runs and 11 RBI, and the season is just a week old.
There’s not much any pitcher can do to get him out right now. Former Ranger and current Indian right-hander Jamey Wright found that out the hard way.
After a leadoff single from Josh Hamilton, Cruz came to the plate with one out in the 10th inning and clobbered a pitch to give the Rangers a 4-2 lead. The homer was particularly clutch since the Rangers squandered a chance to take the lead with the bases loaded in the top of the ninth after Michael Young grounded into a double play on the first pitch he saw from Jamey Wright.
In the bottom of the inning, Neftali Feliz had the adrenaline flowing as he was called upon for his first save opportunity of the year. To call him a flame-thrower probably doesn’t do Feliz any justice as he reached 101 mph at least twice during his 1-2-3 inning. He wasn’t afraid to show off his 90 mph changeup either.
After two blown saves that both turned into losses for Frank Francisco and the Rangers, Feliz has been named the closer, while Francisco will work on his location, velocity and mound presence during less pressure-packed situations, according to manager Ron Washington.
Well, I don’t know if the bottom of the ninth inning of a 2-2 ballgame on the road fits that description in my book. After all, it’s been the top of the ninth when Francisco has given up eight hits and six earned runs in two appearances. Thursday was three up and three down, although Francisco should thank Elvis Andrus for his smothering catch on a Matt LaPorta liner that would have gone up the middle.
At the plate, Andrus has been working the count extremely well and earned three walks and a single Monday.
A Shin-Soo Choo first-inning home run off Rich Harden gave the Indians the 1-0 lead that they carried into the top of the fifth. Second baseman Joaquin Arias, who has connected for three hits in each of the last two games, led off with an infield single. After a Taylor Teagarden strikeout, Andrus singled and Young singled to level the game at 1-1. With a runner at third, Josh Hamilton came to the plate, Indians starter Fausto Carmona threw a wild pitch during the at-bat to allow the second run to score.
In the top of the sixth, Choo who went 3 for 3, singled off Harden. Next, Travis Hafner walked, but Andrus committed an error while trying to catch Choo off the bag. He ended up at third and scored on a wild pitch during the LaPorta at-bat. Luis Valbuena hit a fly out to center fielder Julio Borbon, who quickly released the ball and gunned down Hafner at home plate to keep the score tied.
Harden showed he is more than a strikeout pitcher, and walks weren’t a problem. He registered two strikeouts and three walks in seven innings pitched, giving up both Indian runs. Veteran Darren Oliver came on with two outs in the seventh and struck out three in the eighth.
There’s not much any pitcher can do to get him out right now. Former Ranger and current Indian right-hander Jamey Wright found that out the hard way.
After a leadoff single from Josh Hamilton, Cruz came to the plate with one out in the 10th inning and clobbered a pitch to give the Rangers a 4-2 lead. The homer was particularly clutch since the Rangers squandered a chance to take the lead with the bases loaded in the top of the ninth after Michael Young grounded into a double play on the first pitch he saw from Jamey Wright.
In the bottom of the inning, Neftali Feliz had the adrenaline flowing as he was called upon for his first save opportunity of the year. To call him a flame-thrower probably doesn’t do Feliz any justice as he reached 101 mph at least twice during his 1-2-3 inning. He wasn’t afraid to show off his 90 mph changeup either.
After two blown saves that both turned into losses for Frank Francisco and the Rangers, Feliz has been named the closer, while Francisco will work on his location, velocity and mound presence during less pressure-packed situations, according to manager Ron Washington.
Well, I don’t know if the bottom of the ninth inning of a 2-2 ballgame on the road fits that description in my book. After all, it’s been the top of the ninth when Francisco has given up eight hits and six earned runs in two appearances. Thursday was three up and three down, although Francisco should thank Elvis Andrus for his smothering catch on a Matt LaPorta liner that would have gone up the middle.
At the plate, Andrus has been working the count extremely well and earned three walks and a single Monday.
A Shin-Soo Choo first-inning home run off Rich Harden gave the Indians the 1-0 lead that they carried into the top of the fifth. Second baseman Joaquin Arias, who has connected for three hits in each of the last two games, led off with an infield single. After a Taylor Teagarden strikeout, Andrus singled and Young singled to level the game at 1-1. With a runner at third, Josh Hamilton came to the plate, Indians starter Fausto Carmona threw a wild pitch during the at-bat to allow the second run to score.
In the top of the sixth, Choo who went 3 for 3, singled off Harden. Next, Travis Hafner walked, but Andrus committed an error while trying to catch Choo off the bag. He ended up at third and scored on a wild pitch during the LaPorta at-bat. Luis Valbuena hit a fly out to center fielder Julio Borbon, who quickly released the ball and gunned down Hafner at home plate to keep the score tied.
Harden showed he is more than a strikeout pitcher, and walks weren’t a problem. He registered two strikeouts and three walks in seven innings pitched, giving up both Indian runs. Veteran Darren Oliver came on with two outs in the seventh and struck out three in the eighth.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Dirk Carries Mavs Past Kings: Mavericks 126 Kings 108
Leading the entire way behind 39 points from Dirk Nowitzki and a triple double from Jason Kidd, the Mavericks beat the now 25-55 Sacramento Kings 126-108 on Saturday night.
The win improves the Mavs’ road record to 26-14, the best in the Western Conference. The Nuggets’ loss to the Spurs gives the Mavs sole possession of second place in the conference for now.
In 31:42 minutes on the second night of a back to back, Kidd had 11 points, 13 assists and 10 rebounds. He got the 10th rebound, the final piece he needed, less than a minute into the fourth. An excellent passer, Kidd assisted on baskets from Nowitzki, Erick Dampier, Caron Butler, Edcurdo Najera and Jason Terry.
Thirteen foul shots helped Nowitzki along to his 39-point total. On his fifth shot from the line, his 60th consecutive made free throw, Nowitzki tied his own team record, which now stands at 68 after his perfect shooting for the entire game.
For the game, Nowitzki shot 12 of 20 on field goals and 2 of 2 from long range. After having 15 at halftime, Nowitzki scored 22 of his 39 in the third quarter thanks to jump shots, a 3-pointer and three trips to the free throw line, where he is shooting 91.4 percent for the season. What an encore after scoring 40 of the Mavs’ 83 points in their Southwest division-clinching win over the Trail Blazers on Friday.
The Mavs’ bench provided a huge lift also as it provided 48 points compared to the Kings’ 23 from their bench. Terry’s 25 was the difference. Terry was 8 for 14 shooting, 6 for 6 on free throws and 3 for 4 from beyond the arc. Terry led the way as the Mavs landed 13 of 21 3-point attempts. Kidd, Nowitzki, Butler and DeShawn Stevenson, who started for Shawn Marion, each finished with a pair. Marion missed his third straight game with a strained right oblique muscle.
Stevenson’s assignment was to guard Tyreke Evans, possibly the leading Rookie of the Year candidate. He didn’t do a spectacular job as Evans scored 27 points and tallied eight rebounds. Carl Landry, previously with the Houston Rockets, has performed well against the Mavs’ this season and continued that with 30 points as the Kings’ leading scorer. In December, during a collision with Nowitzki, some of Landry’s teeth ended up in Dirk’s elbow.
The Mavs’ wrap up the final road trip of the season Monday at the LA Clippers before coming home for the regular-season finale against the Spurs on Wednesday.
The win improves the Mavs’ road record to 26-14, the best in the Western Conference. The Nuggets’ loss to the Spurs gives the Mavs sole possession of second place in the conference for now.
In 31:42 minutes on the second night of a back to back, Kidd had 11 points, 13 assists and 10 rebounds. He got the 10th rebound, the final piece he needed, less than a minute into the fourth. An excellent passer, Kidd assisted on baskets from Nowitzki, Erick Dampier, Caron Butler, Edcurdo Najera and Jason Terry.
Thirteen foul shots helped Nowitzki along to his 39-point total. On his fifth shot from the line, his 60th consecutive made free throw, Nowitzki tied his own team record, which now stands at 68 after his perfect shooting for the entire game.
For the game, Nowitzki shot 12 of 20 on field goals and 2 of 2 from long range. After having 15 at halftime, Nowitzki scored 22 of his 39 in the third quarter thanks to jump shots, a 3-pointer and three trips to the free throw line, where he is shooting 91.4 percent for the season. What an encore after scoring 40 of the Mavs’ 83 points in their Southwest division-clinching win over the Trail Blazers on Friday.
The Mavs’ bench provided a huge lift also as it provided 48 points compared to the Kings’ 23 from their bench. Terry’s 25 was the difference. Terry was 8 for 14 shooting, 6 for 6 on free throws and 3 for 4 from beyond the arc. Terry led the way as the Mavs landed 13 of 21 3-point attempts. Kidd, Nowitzki, Butler and DeShawn Stevenson, who started for Shawn Marion, each finished with a pair. Marion missed his third straight game with a strained right oblique muscle.
Stevenson’s assignment was to guard Tyreke Evans, possibly the leading Rookie of the Year candidate. He didn’t do a spectacular job as Evans scored 27 points and tallied eight rebounds. Carl Landry, previously with the Houston Rockets, has performed well against the Mavs’ this season and continued that with 30 points as the Kings’ leading scorer. In December, during a collision with Nowitzki, some of Landry’s teeth ended up in Dirk’s elbow.
The Mavs’ wrap up the final road trip of the season Monday at the LA Clippers before coming home for the regular-season finale against the Spurs on Wednesday.
Francisco A Mess Again: Mariners 4 Rangers 3
Déjà vu has hit the Rangers and their fans early this season. For the second time in five games, Frank Francisco blew the save, allowing the Mariners to score three runs in the ninth, turning a 3-1 lead into a 4-3 loss.
Francisco left the game after allowing three singles and a walk and recording just one out on a sacrifice bunt no less. Darren O’Day wasn’t able to clean up Francisco’s mess, giving up a single to pinch hitter Ken Griffey Jr. to give the Mariner’s the lead, but the run was charged to Francisco for his second loss. Mark Lowe won the game in relief,
Once again, Francisco’s ninth-inning meltdown overshadowed a more than quality pitching performance from Matt Harrison, who hasn’t started in the big leagues since being diagnosed with thoracic outlet syndrome last summer. Harrison pitched six innings, and the only run he allowed crossed the plate on a first inning wild pitch. After a walk to Josh Hamilton in the Rangers’ first inning, Seattle pitcher Felix Hernandez also threw a wild one to advance him to second. Hamilton, who is struggling to get going at the plate, walked in the first and eighth innings, tripled in the fourth and struck out in the sixth.
With Joaquin Arias on base to start the fifth with his second of three singles and Taylor Teagarden on after being hit by the pitch, Elvis Andrus laid down a beautiful sacrifice bunt to put the runners at second and third. Although called out, Andrus was clearly safe at first. Julio Borbon came up and hit the ball to second baseman Chone Figgins, who bobbled it and allowed two runs to score as a result. Borbon legged out a single in the third for his first hit of the young five-game season.
Nelson Cruz homered for the fourth time in five games in the sixth.
Ichiro Suzuki went 0 for 3 off Harrison, but singled off Dustin Nippert in the seventh and Francisco in the ninth, Shortstop Jack Wilson executed a sacrifice bunt of his own during the Mariners’ ninth.
Francisco left the game after allowing three singles and a walk and recording just one out on a sacrifice bunt no less. Darren O’Day wasn’t able to clean up Francisco’s mess, giving up a single to pinch hitter Ken Griffey Jr. to give the Mariner’s the lead, but the run was charged to Francisco for his second loss. Mark Lowe won the game in relief,
Once again, Francisco’s ninth-inning meltdown overshadowed a more than quality pitching performance from Matt Harrison, who hasn’t started in the big leagues since being diagnosed with thoracic outlet syndrome last summer. Harrison pitched six innings, and the only run he allowed crossed the plate on a first inning wild pitch. After a walk to Josh Hamilton in the Rangers’ first inning, Seattle pitcher Felix Hernandez also threw a wild one to advance him to second. Hamilton, who is struggling to get going at the plate, walked in the first and eighth innings, tripled in the fourth and struck out in the sixth.
With Joaquin Arias on base to start the fifth with his second of three singles and Taylor Teagarden on after being hit by the pitch, Elvis Andrus laid down a beautiful sacrifice bunt to put the runners at second and third. Although called out, Andrus was clearly safe at first. Julio Borbon came up and hit the ball to second baseman Chone Figgins, who bobbled it and allowed two runs to score as a result. Borbon legged out a single in the third for his first hit of the young five-game season.
Nelson Cruz homered for the fourth time in five games in the sixth.
Ichiro Suzuki went 0 for 3 off Harrison, but singled off Dustin Nippert in the seventh and Francisco in the ninth, Shortstop Jack Wilson executed a sacrifice bunt of his own during the Mariners’ ninth.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Francisco Loses It in 9th for Rangers: Blue Jays 3 Rangers 1
It was difficult to watch Thursday afternoon as closer Frank Francisco’s lack of command caused C.J. Wilson’s gem to go up in smoke.
Locked in, Wilson pitched seven scoreless innings and surrendered five hits. Wilson’s quality pitching got him out of two on, nobody out jams in the fifth and sixth innings, each time getting two strikeouts after a pair of runners reached. Wilson fanned nine batters and unlike Rich Harden yesterday, only walked two. Toronto’s Ricky Romero also pitched seven innings and gave up five hits. The only Ranger run came in the seventh on a wild pitch by Romero during a Josh Hamilton pinch hit at-bat following a David Murphy double and a Taylor Teagarden groundout to advance Murphy to third. The wild pitch was one of four tallied by Toronto pitchers in the game.
In the second, Vladimir Guerrero singled and Nelson Cruz doubled to start the inning, but neither scored in the end. A fourth-inning single pushed Guerrero’s career average at Rangers Ballpark to .401. In the sixth, Guerrero singled once again but was thrown out attempting to go to second. Guerrero and Cruz accounted for a large percentage of the Rangers’ offense during the season-opening series.
Wilson showed the Rangers can count on him to go seven. Over his career, Wilson has averaged 18 pitches per inning, according to the broadcast. Thursday, that number shrank to 12.
Neftali Feliz, the newly-anointed official setup man, displayed his full capabilities in the eighth, striking out the side and reaching 99 mph in the process.
Francisco couldn’t keep Mr. Long Ball (Vernon Wells) within the fences. Wells is the first Blue Jay ever to hit four homers in the first three games of the season. Following Wells, Lyle Overbay tripled and scored on a sacrifice fly by Edwin Encarnacion to give Toronto a 2-1 lead. Two hits and two walks brought an insurance run across. The Blue Jays batted around, and the Rangers needed three pitchers to record the final three outs.
They really are the hardest ones to get.
Other Notes
Jarrod Saltamacchia has a stiff upper back and was put on the DL already. Let’s hope this doesn’t become routine. Teagarden will now start most games.
Hamilton and Chris Davis pinch hit late but did not start. David Murphy and Ryan Garko started.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Walks A Problem For Rangers in Loss: Blue Jays 7 Rangers 4
Walks have been the bane of the Rangers’ existence for a long time. With Rich Harden, a new Ranger but veteran hurler on the Ballpark mound Wednesday night, nothing was different.
Harden used his change-up to strike out eight Blue Jays in 3 2/3 innings. But despite the strikeouts, he walked five. Both his strikeouts and his walks, elevated his pitch total beyond a number the Rangers probably wanted to see, especially for a pitcher with a history of injury problems.
Harden rung up seven of the first 12 hitters he faced, including all three batters in the second inning. Lyle Overbay and John Buck went down swinging, while a foul tip into the glove of catcher Taylor Teagarden put away Edwin Encarnacion. Teagarden and Jarrod Saltamacchia, Monday’s hero, will platoon at catcher to start the season.
Known for having “bad” innings, Harden lost his command in the fourth, hitting the leadoff batter of the inning Vernon Wells and throwing wide ones to Overbay. Wells, who grew up in Arlington, blasted two homers Wednesday – a two-run shot off Dustin Nippert following a walk to Adam Lind in the fifth and a solo shot against the ledger of Darren Oliver in the ninth. After Buck struck out, Encarnacion reached on a ball that bounced off Michael Young’s glove at third. Two batters later and with the bases filled, ninth-place hitter Travis Snider and Jose Bautista took back-to-back free passes to score Toronto’s second and third runs. The first run came on a third inning Alex Gonzalez long ball that was likely aided by the wind.
Vladimir Guerrero and Nelson Cruz connected on consecutive pitches in the bottom of the inning to tie the game at 3-3 and forget about Harden’s troubles. No question the highlight of the night. But Harden’s reliever, Nippert, couldn’t handle the Blue Jays either and allowed four walks and three runs to cross the plate in 2 2/3 innings. On the positive side, Young walked and scored in the first thanks to singles by Guerrero and Cruz.
The Rangers scored a run in the eighth off an Elvis Andrus single that was mishandled by the right fielder and shortstop for a double error. Andrus advanced to second and Teagarden to third on the play. Teagarden, who got on base via a walk, scored on a Julio Borbon RBI groundout. .
Harden used his change-up to strike out eight Blue Jays in 3 2/3 innings. But despite the strikeouts, he walked five. Both his strikeouts and his walks, elevated his pitch total beyond a number the Rangers probably wanted to see, especially for a pitcher with a history of injury problems.
Harden rung up seven of the first 12 hitters he faced, including all three batters in the second inning. Lyle Overbay and John Buck went down swinging, while a foul tip into the glove of catcher Taylor Teagarden put away Edwin Encarnacion. Teagarden and Jarrod Saltamacchia, Monday’s hero, will platoon at catcher to start the season.
Known for having “bad” innings, Harden lost his command in the fourth, hitting the leadoff batter of the inning Vernon Wells and throwing wide ones to Overbay. Wells, who grew up in Arlington, blasted two homers Wednesday – a two-run shot off Dustin Nippert following a walk to Adam Lind in the fifth and a solo shot against the ledger of Darren Oliver in the ninth. After Buck struck out, Encarnacion reached on a ball that bounced off Michael Young’s glove at third. Two batters later and with the bases filled, ninth-place hitter Travis Snider and Jose Bautista took back-to-back free passes to score Toronto’s second and third runs. The first run came on a third inning Alex Gonzalez long ball that was likely aided by the wind.
Vladimir Guerrero and Nelson Cruz connected on consecutive pitches in the bottom of the inning to tie the game at 3-3 and forget about Harden’s troubles. No question the highlight of the night. But Harden’s reliever, Nippert, couldn’t handle the Blue Jays either and allowed four walks and three runs to cross the plate in 2 2/3 innings. On the positive side, Young walked and scored in the first thanks to singles by Guerrero and Cruz.
The Rangers scored a run in the eighth off an Elvis Andrus single that was mishandled by the right fielder and shortstop for a double error. Andrus advanced to second and Teagarden to third on the play. Teagarden, who got on base via a walk, scored on a Julio Borbon RBI groundout. .
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Some Thoughts For the Rangers and Their Fans on an Early Off Day
I understand that the Rangers and their fans may want to relish in the glory of the team’s first Opening Day walk-off win since 1980.
They may want to relive Nelson Cruz’s four-RBI day.
They may choose to rewind back to Scott Feldman retiring 12 of the last 13 batters of his seven-inning outing.
Some may still need time to accept that Vladimir Guerrero wearing a Rangers’ uniform may be a good thing. Hey, at least he can’t hurt us anymore. Yesterday, he sparked the offense with the first hit of the season in the seventh inning.
Some may choose to try and fully grasp Josh Hamilton’s potential as the more patient hitter he showed Monday.
Some may remember back to Darren Oliver in the Rangers’ original red uniform.
Some may focus on the game-changing hits in the ninth by Michael Young and Jarrod Saltamacchia.
But really schedule-makers, an off day on the second day of the season?
They may want to relive Nelson Cruz’s four-RBI day.
They may choose to rewind back to Scott Feldman retiring 12 of the last 13 batters of his seven-inning outing.
Some may still need time to accept that Vladimir Guerrero wearing a Rangers’ uniform may be a good thing. Hey, at least he can’t hurt us anymore. Yesterday, he sparked the offense with the first hit of the season in the seventh inning.
Some may choose to try and fully grasp Josh Hamilton’s potential as the more patient hitter he showed Monday.
Some may remember back to Darren Oliver in the Rangers’ original red uniform.
Some may focus on the game-changing hits in the ninth by Michael Young and Jarrod Saltamacchia.
But really schedule-makers, an off day on the second day of the season?
Monday, April 5, 2010
Energetic Rally in 9th Lifts Rangers: Rangers 5 Blue Jays 4
One hit really can change a baseball game.
After Toronto’s Shaun Marcum no hit the Rangers for 6 1/3 innings and drained most of the energy out of Rangers Ballpark, Vladimir Guerrero came to the plate. He brings with him not only his imposing presence but also a .394 career average at Rangers Ballpark as an opposing player. Now dawning Ranger red, Guerrero pushed a 0-1 pitch into center to quickly dissolve any no-hit chat. So far so good. Josh Hamilton showed his effort to be more patient with a walk just prior to the hit. In the Rangers’ first real opportunity to score, Nelson Cruz came to the plate with two runners on and smashed a ball over the bullpen to ignite the Rangers’ fire.
With that, a game that had been dominated by Marcum’s pitching performance turned into a 3-3 game either team could win. In his first start since returning from Tommy John surgery, Marcum went seven innings, giving up two hits and three runs.
Scott Feldman pitched better than statistics will indicate, also allowing three runs in seven innings. He clearly struggled with Adam Lind and Vernon Wells though. The pair accounted for six of the eight hits and all of the RBI’s.
With runners at second and third in the eighth, the Rangers’ decision to intentionally walk Lind in hopes that Wells would hit into a double play backfired, and a Wells single allowed the fourth run to cross the plate. Neftali Feliz, who manager Ron Washington proclaimed as his eighth inning man, left with just one out recorded. Veteran journeyman Darren Oliver put a tourniquet on the mess, striking out Lyle Overbay to begin his third stint with the Rangers. He’s the winning pitcher in my book.
Frank Francisco threw a scoreless top of the ninth. Michael Young led off the bottom of the inning with a double and moved to third on a Guerrero single following a Hamilton strikeout. Cruz doubled home Young to tie the score at 4-4. Chris Davis walked, leaving it all in the hands of Jarrod Saltamacchia, a guy whose injury problems prevented him from doing much in Spring Training.
He certainly delivered Monday, connecting on a walkoff single with the outfield in.
With only six total hits for the game, all the hits meant a lot. But if Rangers continue to play the way they did after Guerrero’s hit in the seventh and Young’s hit in the ninth, this season will be a lot of fun.
After Toronto’s Shaun Marcum no hit the Rangers for 6 1/3 innings and drained most of the energy out of Rangers Ballpark, Vladimir Guerrero came to the plate. He brings with him not only his imposing presence but also a .394 career average at Rangers Ballpark as an opposing player. Now dawning Ranger red, Guerrero pushed a 0-1 pitch into center to quickly dissolve any no-hit chat. So far so good. Josh Hamilton showed his effort to be more patient with a walk just prior to the hit. In the Rangers’ first real opportunity to score, Nelson Cruz came to the plate with two runners on and smashed a ball over the bullpen to ignite the Rangers’ fire.
With that, a game that had been dominated by Marcum’s pitching performance turned into a 3-3 game either team could win. In his first start since returning from Tommy John surgery, Marcum went seven innings, giving up two hits and three runs.
Scott Feldman pitched better than statistics will indicate, also allowing three runs in seven innings. He clearly struggled with Adam Lind and Vernon Wells though. The pair accounted for six of the eight hits and all of the RBI’s.
With runners at second and third in the eighth, the Rangers’ decision to intentionally walk Lind in hopes that Wells would hit into a double play backfired, and a Wells single allowed the fourth run to cross the plate. Neftali Feliz, who manager Ron Washington proclaimed as his eighth inning man, left with just one out recorded. Veteran journeyman Darren Oliver put a tourniquet on the mess, striking out Lyle Overbay to begin his third stint with the Rangers. He’s the winning pitcher in my book.
Frank Francisco threw a scoreless top of the ninth. Michael Young led off the bottom of the inning with a double and moved to third on a Guerrero single following a Hamilton strikeout. Cruz doubled home Young to tie the score at 4-4. Chris Davis walked, leaving it all in the hands of Jarrod Saltamacchia, a guy whose injury problems prevented him from doing much in Spring Training.
He certainly delivered Monday, connecting on a walkoff single with the outfield in.
With only six total hits for the game, all the hits meant a lot. But if Rangers continue to play the way they did after Guerrero’s hit in the seventh and Young’s hit in the ninth, this season will be a lot of fun.
On the Cusp of Opening Day
Opening Day for the Rangers is just about 13 hours away. I’m sure the Rangers are more than ready to put their last-place finish in the Cactus League behind them. But that’s what Spring Training is supposed to be – getting rid of any kinks and rustiness after a long offseason. The Rangers are hoping for a shorter offseason – meaning that expectations and excitement are through the roof, partly due to the anticipated buzz of the Chuck Greenberg-Nolan Ryan ownership transfer. The official switch from Tom Hicks may take place in as little as two weeks.
Scott Feldman, who more than impressed last season as a starter, will pitch the game for the Rangers against the Toronto Blue Jays. On Friday, the Rangers extended Feldman’s current contract through 2012 with a club option for 2013. Jarrod Saltalamacchia will catch Feldman during the 1:05 p.m. start at Rangers Ballpark while Taylor Teagarden will draw Rich Harden for Game 2 of the series on Wednesday.
Second baseman Ian Kinsler continues to try and rehab a high ankle sprain and will begin the season on the disabled list. With Kinsler sidelined, Andres Blanco will get to experience playing on Opening Day for the first time in his Major League career. Wrist inflammation is not expected to keep Elvis Andrus off the field Monday.
Projected Opening Day Lineup
CF Julio Borbon
3B Michael Young
LF Josh Hamilton
DH Vladimir Guerrero
RF Nelson Cruz
1B Chris Davis
C Jarrod Saltalamacchia
2B Andres Blanco
SS Elvis Andrus
*Of note, the Red Sox beat the Yankees on Sunday night at Fenway Park to open the Major League Baseball Season. As Rangers’ fans know, anytime the Yankees get beat is good.
Scott Feldman, who more than impressed last season as a starter, will pitch the game for the Rangers against the Toronto Blue Jays. On Friday, the Rangers extended Feldman’s current contract through 2012 with a club option for 2013. Jarrod Saltalamacchia will catch Feldman during the 1:05 p.m. start at Rangers Ballpark while Taylor Teagarden will draw Rich Harden for Game 2 of the series on Wednesday.
Second baseman Ian Kinsler continues to try and rehab a high ankle sprain and will begin the season on the disabled list. With Kinsler sidelined, Andres Blanco will get to experience playing on Opening Day for the first time in his Major League career. Wrist inflammation is not expected to keep Elvis Andrus off the field Monday.
Projected Opening Day Lineup
CF Julio Borbon
3B Michael Young
LF Josh Hamilton
DH Vladimir Guerrero
RF Nelson Cruz
1B Chris Davis
C Jarrod Saltalamacchia
2B Andres Blanco
SS Elvis Andrus
*Of note, the Red Sox beat the Yankees on Sunday night at Fenway Park to open the Major League Baseball Season. As Rangers’ fans know, anytime the Yankees get beat is good.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Baseball is Coming Soon
Watch for Rangers' Spring Training wrap-up notes and pre-Opening Day comments coming soon. Game 1 of 162 is almost here.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Magic Not Joking Around in Victory: Magic 97 Mavericks 82
No joke. Dirk Nowitzki could not play the magician and pull the Mavericks out of this one.
By shooting just 38.3 percent for the game and allowing the Magic, the NBA’s best 3-point shooting team, to connect on 14 of 24 attempts, the Mavericks lost 97-82 Thursday night at American Airlines Center.
With 2,027 attempted 3’s and 744 made 3’s for the season, the Magic lead both categories. In a 95-85 win over Orlando on February 19, the Mavs limited them to just four. Thursday, the Mavs failed to put forth a similar defensive performance. While allowing 14 long range shots through the netting, the Mavs only countered with four of their own, three of those late in the game.
J.J. Barea, who missed the last two games with a sore ankle, replaced Shawn Marion on the floor with 5:24 remaining in the third quarter. Barea compiled 16 points in just 17:24 minutes. He shot 7 of 9 on field goals and swished two 3’s for half the Mavs’ total. Doing his best Nowitzki impression, Barea got 14 of his 16 points in the fourth.
Leading the Mavs with 24 points, Nowitzki scored them all in the first three quarters and saw only limited time in the final quarter, making Barea even more important. Although the Mavs weren’t able to pull off a comeback reminiscent of Wednesday, they did outscore the Magic 26-25 in the final 12 minutes. Twenty-six points might as well be considered an explosion following totals in the first three quarters of 16, 20 and 20. Compare those numbers to 18, 25 and 29 for the Magic in the first three quarters.
The Mavs struggled all night to suppress Dwight Howard, the league’s leading rebounder and shot blocker. Howard averages 13.3 rebounds and 2.74 blocks per game for the Magic. Thursday, Howard tallied 20 rebounds and five blocks to go along with 17 points. Off the bench, Mickael Pietrus bucketed 24, including 6 for 6 from long range. Pietrus is from Guadeloupe, the same island as Mavs’ rookie Rodrique Beaubois, and is credited by some for discovering him.
By shooting just 38.3 percent for the game and allowing the Magic, the NBA’s best 3-point shooting team, to connect on 14 of 24 attempts, the Mavericks lost 97-82 Thursday night at American Airlines Center.
With 2,027 attempted 3’s and 744 made 3’s for the season, the Magic lead both categories. In a 95-85 win over Orlando on February 19, the Mavs limited them to just four. Thursday, the Mavs failed to put forth a similar defensive performance. While allowing 14 long range shots through the netting, the Mavs only countered with four of their own, three of those late in the game.
J.J. Barea, who missed the last two games with a sore ankle, replaced Shawn Marion on the floor with 5:24 remaining in the third quarter. Barea compiled 16 points in just 17:24 minutes. He shot 7 of 9 on field goals and swished two 3’s for half the Mavs’ total. Doing his best Nowitzki impression, Barea got 14 of his 16 points in the fourth.
Leading the Mavs with 24 points, Nowitzki scored them all in the first three quarters and saw only limited time in the final quarter, making Barea even more important. Although the Mavs weren’t able to pull off a comeback reminiscent of Wednesday, they did outscore the Magic 26-25 in the final 12 minutes. Twenty-six points might as well be considered an explosion following totals in the first three quarters of 16, 20 and 20. Compare those numbers to 18, 25 and 29 for the Magic in the first three quarters.
The Mavs struggled all night to suppress Dwight Howard, the league’s leading rebounder and shot blocker. Howard averages 13.3 rebounds and 2.74 blocks per game for the Magic. Thursday, Howard tallied 20 rebounds and five blocks to go along with 17 points. Off the bench, Mickael Pietrus bucketed 24, including 6 for 6 from long range. Pietrus is from Guadeloupe, the same island as Mavs’ rookie Rodrique Beaubois, and is credited by some for discovering him.
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