C.J. Wilson is the Rangers’ most dependable pitcher right now. He played the stopper role again Monday, shutting out a team that – honestly, the Rangers should have no trouble leaving scoreless.
The Royals are a team that is 21 games below .500 and the lineup is without five of its Opening Day starters – either because they’ve been traded or have been bitten by the injury bug.
So, unlike much of the Rangers’ rotation lately, Wilson successfully executed what was expected. He needed only 44 pitches to get through the third through seventh innings after a second inning that featured two walks forced him to throw 45 pitches in the first two frames. Wilson also walked two in the sixth, but seemed angry at himself after it happened and was able to quickly snap back into gear.
The guy who had to fight to become a starter threw 110 pitches in 7 2/3 innings, struck out six and now has an ERA below 3.00 at 2.88. He was just solidly good.
Offensively, the Rangers weren’t at their best, leaving nine men on base, but the Royals never put up a fight. Royals starter Kyle Davies deserves some credit, going 8 1/3 innings, striking out six of his own and allowing one walk to Josh Hamilton, who blopped in two soft singles and increased his average to .359.
Although it was enough tonight, I still need to see the offense connect more before the playoff push. Nelson Cruz can help with that.
Happy birthday to Cliff Lee, who heads to the mound Tuesday.
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