Mitch Moreland, Josh Hamilton and Colbu Lewis were the heroes!Saturday, October 30, 2010
The First World Series Game And Victory At Rangers Ballpark
Mitch Moreland, Josh Hamilton and Colbu Lewis were the heroes!
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Pitching, Fielding Lead To Game 1 Loss: Giants 11 Rangers 7
Well, it’s time to do away with predictions. Game 1 of the World Series was touted to be a low-scoring duel of respective staff aces. Cliff Lee and Tim Lincecum both sported ERAs under 2.00 for the postseason. Lee’s October ERA was sub 1.00.
From the beginning one could tell that neither guy had his best stuff. The Rangers had two hits and a walk in the first inning off Lincecum on a Vladimir Guerrero infield single and left the bases loaded. Scoring more in the first inning probably would have changed the tone of the game.
Following a Bengie Molina single and a Cliff Lee double (yes!), the Rangers scored their second run on an RBI sacrifice fly from Elvis Andrus. A 2-0 lead with Lee on the mound sounds great, but I still had more nerves than I expected considering who was on the mound and the reputation of AT&T Park.
In the third, things got a little messy. An error by Michael Young, the first of four by Rangers fielders, allowed Edgar Renteria to reach After getting the pitcher to pop up to Bengie Molina, Lee hit Andres Torres, which is as rare as a walk for him. The Giants took advantage and singled twice to tie the game. In the fifth, Lee surrendered two doubles, two singles and a walk. That could very well be considered a pretty average output against Lee for an entire game. With O’Day summoned to stop the bleeding, a three-run homer by Juan Uribe gave the Giants a six-run lead in the blink of an eye.
Vladimir Guerrero, normally the designated hitter, committed two of the Rangers four errors. I am not sure he should play Thursday; he just didn’t look comfortable or dependable. Difficult call.
Guerrero and the entire team need to regroup and come to the ballpark ready to even the series Thursday. The Rangers did manufacture three runs in the top of the ninth again closer Brian Wilson.
From the beginning one could tell that neither guy had his best stuff. The Rangers had two hits and a walk in the first inning off Lincecum on a Vladimir Guerrero infield single and left the bases loaded. Scoring more in the first inning probably would have changed the tone of the game.
Following a Bengie Molina single and a Cliff Lee double (yes!), the Rangers scored their second run on an RBI sacrifice fly from Elvis Andrus. A 2-0 lead with Lee on the mound sounds great, but I still had more nerves than I expected considering who was on the mound and the reputation of AT&T Park.
In the third, things got a little messy. An error by Michael Young, the first of four by Rangers fielders, allowed Edgar Renteria to reach After getting the pitcher to pop up to Bengie Molina, Lee hit Andres Torres, which is as rare as a walk for him. The Giants took advantage and singled twice to tie the game. In the fifth, Lee surrendered two doubles, two singles and a walk. That could very well be considered a pretty average output against Lee for an entire game. With O’Day summoned to stop the bleeding, a three-run homer by Juan Uribe gave the Giants a six-run lead in the blink of an eye.
Vladimir Guerrero, normally the designated hitter, committed two of the Rangers four errors. I am not sure he should play Thursday; he just didn’t look comfortable or dependable. Difficult call.
Guerrero and the entire team need to regroup and come to the ballpark ready to even the series Thursday. The Rangers did manufacture three runs in the top of the ninth again closer Brian Wilson.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Not Just Yet: Yankees 7 Rangers 2
Thirteen balls rang off the Rangers’ bats today for hits, but in the big moments, most of the lineup failed to deliver Wednesday afternoon.
The exception was catcher Matt Treanor, who hadn’t played since Game 1 of the series. Treanor accounted for both of his team’s RBI’s with a solo home run in the fifth inning and a bases loaded groundout in the sixth. The groundout, which followed singles by David Murphy, Ian Kinsler and Jeff Francoeur, is just one example of the Rangers’ missed opportunities in the game. At one point, Josh Hamilton also grounded into a double play with two runners on base to kill a possible rally. The double play set up C.C. Sabathia’s only three-batter inning.
Rangers’ starter C.J. Wilson struggled with command from the second inning on. Two walks and an error led to three runs in the second and back-to-back homers to begin the third left the Rangers to dig out of a 5-0 deficit early.
After being passed over for the ALDS roster, Michael Kirkman made his playoff debut in relief of Wilson. Kirkman allowed a leadoff double to Curtis Granderson, walked two and struck out one in his two innings of scoreless ball. Alexi Ogando pitched the ninth and surrendered a home run to Granderson.
Hopefully, the Rangers can regroup and do what needs to be done Friday night.
The exception was catcher Matt Treanor, who hadn’t played since Game 1 of the series. Treanor accounted for both of his team’s RBI’s with a solo home run in the fifth inning and a bases loaded groundout in the sixth. The groundout, which followed singles by David Murphy, Ian Kinsler and Jeff Francoeur, is just one example of the Rangers’ missed opportunities in the game. At one point, Josh Hamilton also grounded into a double play with two runners on base to kill a possible rally. The double play set up C.C. Sabathia’s only three-batter inning.
Rangers’ starter C.J. Wilson struggled with command from the second inning on. Two walks and an error led to three runs in the second and back-to-back homers to begin the third left the Rangers to dig out of a 5-0 deficit early.
After being passed over for the ALDS roster, Michael Kirkman made his playoff debut in relief of Wilson. Kirkman allowed a leadoff double to Curtis Granderson, walked two and struck out one in his two innings of scoreless ball. Alexi Ogando pitched the ninth and surrendered a home run to Granderson.
Hopefully, the Rangers can regroup and do what needs to be done Friday night.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Rangers Add Runs Late To Crush Yankees Again: Rangers 10 Yankees 3
See how the Rangers are now up 3-1 in their series.
Happy Birthday, Michael Young
Well, Michael, the Rangers are finally playing baseball on your birthday! You deserve it. Nice job with those three singles last night!
I think the best way to celebrate your birthday in New York is to win in style again tonight!
I think the best way to celebrate your birthday in New York is to win in style again tonight!
Monday, October 18, 2010
On a Whole Other Level: Rangers 8 Yankees 0
Cliff Lee struck out 13 batters in eight innings Monday, helping the Rangers dominate the Yankees and hand them their worst postseason home loss ever.
In three postseason starts this season, Lee has fanned 34 and walked just one. Monday’s matchup with all-time postseason win leader Andy Pettitte was billed to be a pitch-by-pitch battle. But the combination of Josh Hamilton’s first-inning two-run homer and Lee allowing just three baserunners pulled this game the Rangers way from the beginning.
Lee simply takes opposing teams out of the game early because he stymies offenses like no one else. While it became clear that two runs would be enough, the Rangers clicked in the ninth inning, giving the Yankees a taste of their own big inning medicine. Against relievers Boone Logan and David Roberston, the Rangers scored six runs on six hits. Sparked by a Hamilton leadoff double, Vladimir Guerrero, Nelson Cruz, Bengie Molina, Mitch Moreland and Elvis Andrus all got hits to officially bookend the victory.
Yankee fans were left streaming toward the exits. Now that’s fun to see!
Neftali Feliz pitched a 1-2-3 bottom of the ninth with two strikeouts.
In three postseason starts this season, Lee has fanned 34 and walked just one. Monday’s matchup with all-time postseason win leader Andy Pettitte was billed to be a pitch-by-pitch battle. But the combination of Josh Hamilton’s first-inning two-run homer and Lee allowing just three baserunners pulled this game the Rangers way from the beginning.
Lee simply takes opposing teams out of the game early because he stymies offenses like no one else. While it became clear that two runs would be enough, the Rangers clicked in the ninth inning, giving the Yankees a taste of their own big inning medicine. Against relievers Boone Logan and David Roberston, the Rangers scored six runs on six hits. Sparked by a Hamilton leadoff double, Vladimir Guerrero, Nelson Cruz, Bengie Molina, Mitch Moreland and Elvis Andrus all got hits to officially bookend the victory.
Yankee fans were left streaming toward the exits. Now that’s fun to see!
Neftali Feliz pitched a 1-2-3 bottom of the ninth with two strikeouts.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
The Third Time Is The Charm
The Rangers found the fire they didn't have last weekend!!!
Some evidence of the smoldering:
Some evidence of the smoldering:
- Elvis Andrus' baserunning in the first inning to get an early lead.
- Bengie Molina stole a base for the first time since 2006.
- Nelson Cruz aggressively taking third base and scoring on an error.
- Ian Kinsler's two-run homer in the ninth to give the Rangers their four-run lead.
- Cliff Lee's complete game!
Bring on the Yankees on Friday!
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Young’s Blast Caps Wilson’s Shutout: Rangers 6 Rays 0
C.J. Wilson proved he is in the right role Thursday. His two-hit shutout performance in Game 2 gives the Rangers a 2-0 lead in the best-of-5 series and places them one win away from the ALCS as the series moves to Arlington.
The Rangers are doing something that seems to be a mighty struggle for the Rays: scoring runs. The Rangers have held the Rays to one run through the first two games. The team’s quick-strike offense and top-notch pitching has completely left the Rays shaking their heads. Take it from Cal Ripken, Jr., who is serving as an analyst for TBS.
Although Matt Treanor didn’t have a hit, he was on base three times with two HBP’s and a walk. The first HBP led to a run scoring. In the third, Treanor advanced to second on a groundout and to third on an infield hit by Elvis Andrus. The fear of Andrus’s speed drew numerous throws from Rays starter James Shields, one of which escaped the first baseman and allowed Treanor to score.
Vladimir Guerrero also crossed the plate in the fifth on a single by Kinsler after he hit it out in the third.
Game 3 on Saturday is Colby Lewis (12-13, 3.72) vs. Matt Garza (15-10, 3.91).
The Rangers are doing something that seems to be a mighty struggle for the Rays: scoring runs. The Rangers have held the Rays to one run through the first two games. The team’s quick-strike offense and top-notch pitching has completely left the Rays shaking their heads. Take it from Cal Ripken, Jr., who is serving as an analyst for TBS.
While the Rangers have watched exceptional pitching the past two days, the hitting has also put the Rangers in situations where they can relax. On Thursday, the put-away hit came on a three-run homer from Michael Young on a 3-2 pitch from Chad Qualls in a four-run fifth. The Rangers sent their entire order batted in the fifth. Joe Maddon was ejected after arguing a check swing call on the previous pitch. Young also singled in the seventh.“But I still would give credit too where credit is due: The pitching staff has shut them down.”
- Cal Ripken, Jr.
Although Matt Treanor didn’t have a hit, he was on base three times with two HBP’s and a walk. The first HBP led to a run scoring. In the third, Treanor advanced to second on a groundout and to third on an infield hit by Elvis Andrus. The fear of Andrus’s speed drew numerous throws from Rays starter James Shields, one of which escaped the first baseman and allowed Treanor to score.
Vladimir Guerrero also crossed the plate in the fifth on a single by Kinsler after he hit it out in the third.
Game 3 on Saturday is Colby Lewis (12-13, 3.72) vs. Matt Garza (15-10, 3.91).
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Combo of Pitching, Offense Wins Game 1 For Rangers: Rangers 5 Rays 1
This is it: The Rangers acquired Cliff Lee on July 9th to help them do something they haven’t done since 1996: win in the postseason.
On Wednesday, Lee, a postseason veteran, led the charge to the Rangers’ first playoff victory in 14 years. While he struck out 10, he also received a good amount of offensive cushion as the Rangers scored two in the second inning and one each in the three subsequent innings off Rays’ starter David Price.
After the Rangers left two runners on in the first and Lee escaped a bases loaded jam in the first inning, Ian Kinsler singled to begin the second frame. A double by Jeff Francoeur, who has served as a valuable member of the team since coming over from the Mets on August 31st, scored Kinsler from first. Bengie Molina, who hit .249 during the regular season, got the first of his three hits to bring home Francoeur.
The two runs of support must have helped Lee really get into a rhythm because following a leadoff double in the bottom of the second, Lee retired 12 straight batters prior to B.J. Upton reaching as the result of an error to start the sixth.
Nelson Cruz put a ball on top of the restaurant in the third and Molina added his own homer in the fourth. Josh Hamilton reached on an error in the fifth, aggressively stole second and scored to make it 5-0 after Vladimir Guerrero doubled on a 3-0 pitch from Price.
Ben Zobrist hit a ball over the wall in the seventh off Lee for the Rays’ only run of the game.
Relievers Darren O’Day, Darren Oliver, who turned 40 Wednesday, and Neftali Feliz recorded the last six outs, although Feliz did walk two. The Rangers successfully stifled the Rays’ running game as each team, allowed just one stolen base.
Game 2 puts C.J. Wilson (15-8, 3.35) up against James Shields (13-15, 5.18).
On Wednesday, Lee, a postseason veteran, led the charge to the Rangers’ first playoff victory in 14 years. While he struck out 10, he also received a good amount of offensive cushion as the Rangers scored two in the second inning and one each in the three subsequent innings off Rays’ starter David Price.
After the Rangers left two runners on in the first and Lee escaped a bases loaded jam in the first inning, Ian Kinsler singled to begin the second frame. A double by Jeff Francoeur, who has served as a valuable member of the team since coming over from the Mets on August 31st, scored Kinsler from first. Bengie Molina, who hit .249 during the regular season, got the first of his three hits to bring home Francoeur.
The two runs of support must have helped Lee really get into a rhythm because following a leadoff double in the bottom of the second, Lee retired 12 straight batters prior to B.J. Upton reaching as the result of an error to start the sixth.
Nelson Cruz put a ball on top of the restaurant in the third and Molina added his own homer in the fourth. Josh Hamilton reached on an error in the fifth, aggressively stole second and scored to make it 5-0 after Vladimir Guerrero doubled on a 3-0 pitch from Price.
Ben Zobrist hit a ball over the wall in the seventh off Lee for the Rays’ only run of the game.
Relievers Darren O’Day, Darren Oliver, who turned 40 Wednesday, and Neftali Feliz recorded the last six outs, although Feliz did walk two. The Rangers successfully stifled the Rays’ running game as each team, allowed just one stolen base.
Game 2 puts C.J. Wilson (15-8, 3.35) up against James Shields (13-15, 5.18).
Sunday, October 3, 2010
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