But it was a defensive breakdown from the Cubs in the bottom of the fourth that opened the door for the Rangers to score two runs and eventually win the game 2-1. Ian Kinsler led off the inning by legging out an infield single and reached third base on errant throws from the second baseman and third baseman. Vladimir Guerrero quickly followed with an RBI double to bring Kinsler home. That tied the game at 1 after the Cubs scored as the result of Geovany Soto grounding into a double play following Mike Fontenot and Xavier Nady reaching.
The Rangers second run of the fourth inning came after Josh Hamilton sacrifice bunted Guerrero to third. You’re absolutely right if you’re thinking that sounds strange. The sacrifice bunt was the first of Hamilton’s Major League career. Overall, he hadn’t sacrifice bunted since 2002. An interesting birthday present, but it paid off as Nelson Cruz doubled and the Rangers finished the inning with a 2-1 lead.
Starter Colby Lewis surrendered five hits and one run in six innings. The Rangers’ short-stint bullpen method worked again Friday. Darren O’Day, Frank Francisco and Neftali Feliz each pitched a scoreless inning. O’Day and Francisco each struck out two batters. Former Rangers Alfonso Soriano and Marlon Byrd each got well-placed singles beyond Michael Young’s glove in the eighth.
The Rangers now have a four-game advantage in the AL West and a five-game winning streak.
I’ll go ahead and thank the Cubs now for the large crowds they are helping bring to the ballpark this weekend. Friday’s attendance was 38,943. Also, welcome back to Rudy Jaramillo.
Notes from Thursday’s 13-7 win over the Orioles:
- The Rangers pounded 20 hits for the first time since 2008.
- Nelson Cruz had a career night with a 3-run homer, a double and two singles.
- David Murphy connected on three singles.
- Six players had two hits, including Matt Treanor, who hit a 3-run homer in the eighth.
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