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.