When the Rangers finally forced a run across in the ninth inning of Friday’s game, I took it as a good sign – that this mini 14-inning scoreless streak would soon come to an end.
I was right.
Unlike Friday night when the Rangers failed to take advantage of three first-inning walks, this time they capitalized on Elvis Andrus’ first-inning free pass. With two outs and Andrus on third thanks to a steal, Adrian Beltre doubled him home, yet another two-out RBI for the Rangers.
The A’s tied the game in the second on a home run by Kurt Suzuki. Colby Lewis, who surrendered three long balls in one inning on Monday, would allow another home run in the fourth to Josh Willingham, account for all the A’s offense.
But the good news is that was it. The major meltdown or multitude of baserunners in one inning were nowhere to be seen. Lewis, like the other starters, bore down to strike out six and walk one for eight innings. With such a depleted bullpen and the struggles of the starters this week, the Rangers really needed a performance like Saturday’s to help re-establish their overall confidence. Trust me, they also want to be able to depend on Lewis, the only pitcher with a World Series victory for the Rangers.
Michael Young has always been dependable, but with a batting average of .342 and 12 doubles in April, he is really showing it off right now. The only thing he hadn’t down is deliver a homer.
After Andrus led off the third with a single, Young smacked a pitch from Brett Anderson to check that off the list also. The homer gave the Rangers a 3-1 lead they would hold for the rest of the game. In fact, it would become a slugfest, at least for the Rangers. Nelson Cruz and Mike Napoli joined in in the fifth inning. Following singles from Young and Beltre, Cruz brought out the “boomstick,” for a three-run shot and a more comfortable 6-2 lead. Designed hitter Mike Napoli came up with his own version, and the scoreboard read 7-2.
After Anderson was tagged with all seven runs, a go-around of four bullpen guys took their turn at one inning each. David Purcey allowed a run on a David Murphy single and Ian Kinsler two-bagger. Jerry Blevins watched the score balloon to 11-2 after an error by shortstop Cliff Pennington in the ninth.
Can I order up a second helping of this for Sunday?
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Moreland Homer Gives Rangers A Win: Rangers 7 Blue Jays 6
- Mitch Moreland's leadoff home run onto Green's Hill in the seventh inning sealed the Rangers' 7-6 victory after Juan Rivera tied the game off Cody Eppley in the top of that inning.
- In his second Major League appearance, Eppley was credited with the victory.
- Derek Holland struggled and was not able to complete any 1-2-3 innings. The Blue Jays scored two runs on a walk and three singles.
- But in the bottom of the third, the Rangers exploded for six runs that would carry them through the game until Moreland's game-winning long ball. Elvis Andrus singled home Yorvit Torreabla and Ian Kinsler, who reached on an error and walk respectively.
- Michael Young started another hit streak with a two-RBI double. Andrian Beltre absorbed an HBP before Nelson Cruz hit an RBI single. Mike Napoli brought home the final two runs on his own double.
- Darren O'Day landed on the 60-day DL Wednesday with a torn labrum in his left hip.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Homers Fly In High-Scoring Rangers Victory: Rangers 11 Royals 6
The Rangers were getting quite used to hearing the “crack” produced when a ball makes contact with the sweet spot of the bat.
Mike Napoli, Ian Kinsler, David Murphy, Adrian Beltre and Mitch Moreland all hammered home runs. At least two landed beyond the Rangers bullpen on a night when the wind provided favorable conditions for long balls. Kinsler, Beltre and Michael Young, all potential All-Stars, finished with three hits apiece. Young wasted no time extending his hit streak to a dozen games by knocking in Elvis Andrus on a single to right in the first inning for a 1-0 lead.
That lead stayed intact until the third inning when Kinsler led off with a double against Royals starter Jeff Francis, and Elvis Andrus sacrificed him to third to once again bring up Texas’ all-time hits leader. Young tripled off the center field wall, and the ball rolled all the way back into the middle of center field. Beltre doubled to center scoring Young, but he himself came home on the Napoli homer that capped the inning.
But things were not all fine and dandy for Rangers’ starter Derek Holland after his team achieved the five-run cushion. In what seemed like the blink of an eye in the top of the fourth, the necessary shutdown inning, Holland had given up an infield single, a walk and an RBI double and surrendered two runs. But that was far from the end of the mess as a single and a three-run blast by catcher Brayan Pena would follow. I guess the Royals know how to take advantage of wind also. The game was knotted at five.
But that sinking feeling that develops after blowing a huge lead dissolved after Kinsler sent a ball sailing over the bullpen to start the bottom of the inning and quickly regained the advantage at 6-5. Murphy would offer a two-run shot in the fifth, Beltre a solo shot in the sixth and Moreland a seventh-inning two-run jab just as a reminder to the Royals not to take him lightly in the ninth hole.
That totals 11 runs for the Rangers. The Royals added a run in the eighth on a long fly ball after Pedro Strop loaded the bases with nobody out. Veteran Arthur Rhodes got the other two outs on strikeouts, one swinging and one looking.
Mike Napoli, Ian Kinsler, David Murphy, Adrian Beltre and Mitch Moreland all hammered home runs. At least two landed beyond the Rangers bullpen on a night when the wind provided favorable conditions for long balls. Kinsler, Beltre and Michael Young, all potential All-Stars, finished with three hits apiece. Young wasted no time extending his hit streak to a dozen games by knocking in Elvis Andrus on a single to right in the first inning for a 1-0 lead.
That lead stayed intact until the third inning when Kinsler led off with a double against Royals starter Jeff Francis, and Elvis Andrus sacrificed him to third to once again bring up Texas’ all-time hits leader. Young tripled off the center field wall, and the ball rolled all the way back into the middle of center field. Beltre doubled to center scoring Young, but he himself came home on the Napoli homer that capped the inning.
But things were not all fine and dandy for Rangers’ starter Derek Holland after his team achieved the five-run cushion. In what seemed like the blink of an eye in the top of the fourth, the necessary shutdown inning, Holland had given up an infield single, a walk and an RBI double and surrendered two runs. But that was far from the end of the mess as a single and a three-run blast by catcher Brayan Pena would follow. I guess the Royals know how to take advantage of wind also. The game was knotted at five.
But that sinking feeling that develops after blowing a huge lead dissolved after Kinsler sent a ball sailing over the bullpen to start the bottom of the inning and quickly regained the advantage at 6-5. Murphy would offer a two-run shot in the fifth, Beltre a solo shot in the sixth and Moreland a seventh-inning two-run jab just as a reminder to the Royals not to take him lightly in the ninth hole.
That totals 11 runs for the Rangers. The Royals added a run in the eighth on a long fly ball after Pedro Strop loaded the bases with nobody out. Veteran Arthur Rhodes got the other two outs on strikeouts, one swinging and one looking.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Weaver Gave the Rangers Little Chance: Angels 4 Rangers 1
Matt Harrison finally ran into a roadblock Wednesday: Angels’ pitcher Jared Weaver,
After a complete game victory, Weaver sits a 5-0 and is the fastest Major League pitcher to reach that mark.
Matt Harrison was the right guy to match up with him. Harrison hurled 6 2/3 innings, surrendering three earned runs on three walks and five strikeouts. For the fourth straight time this season, Harrison pitched like a man who is confident enough to get hitters out in all situations. He is now aware of what his pitches can do to hitters.
Harrison’s demeanor came into play the most during the fifth inning. A squeeze bunt by Angels’ catcher Jeff Mathis made it 2-0 scoring the mega speedy Peter Bourjos after his triple, and Mathis reached base on Harrison’s own error. Then, the two hitters at the top of the order walked, loading the bases for Torii Hunter, who struck out swinging. That promptly squashed the rally and averted a repeat of Tuesday’s 15-4 loss.
Howie Kendrick hit the ball over the wall off Harrison to begin the second, and Ranger nemesis Vernon Wells homered over Darren O’Day in the eighth. For the Rangers, David Murphy’s ball made unfortunate contact with Peter Bourjos’ glove and was denied exit from the park. Through this series alone, it’s clear why it’s been able to displace two All-Stars and take over the center field job, It might be interesting to watch he and Josh Hamilton in a defensive duel at some point this season.
The Rangers only run came with two outs in the sixth inning. Michael Young, who extended his hit streak to 11 games, doubled down the right field line to score Elvis Andrus from first. Andrus singled down the line just ahead of Young, and he also ran out an infield hit in the first.
Neftali Feliz inexplicably walked three batters in the ninth, further confirming the idea that closers should not pitch in non-save situations.
After a complete game victory, Weaver sits a 5-0 and is the fastest Major League pitcher to reach that mark.
Matt Harrison was the right guy to match up with him. Harrison hurled 6 2/3 innings, surrendering three earned runs on three walks and five strikeouts. For the fourth straight time this season, Harrison pitched like a man who is confident enough to get hitters out in all situations. He is now aware of what his pitches can do to hitters.
Harrison’s demeanor came into play the most during the fifth inning. A squeeze bunt by Angels’ catcher Jeff Mathis made it 2-0 scoring the mega speedy Peter Bourjos after his triple, and Mathis reached base on Harrison’s own error. Then, the two hitters at the top of the order walked, loading the bases for Torii Hunter, who struck out swinging. That promptly squashed the rally and averted a repeat of Tuesday’s 15-4 loss.
Howie Kendrick hit the ball over the wall off Harrison to begin the second, and Ranger nemesis Vernon Wells homered over Darren O’Day in the eighth. For the Rangers, David Murphy’s ball made unfortunate contact with Peter Bourjos’ glove and was denied exit from the park. Through this series alone, it’s clear why it’s been able to displace two All-Stars and take over the center field job, It might be interesting to watch he and Josh Hamilton in a defensive duel at some point this season.
The Rangers only run came with two outs in the sixth inning. Michael Young, who extended his hit streak to 11 games, doubled down the right field line to score Elvis Andrus from first. Andrus singled down the line just ahead of Young, and he also ran out an infield hit in the first.
Neftali Feliz inexplicably walked three batters in the ninth, further confirming the idea that closers should not pitch in non-save situations.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Double Plays, Defensive Excellence Highlight Victory: Rangers 5 Yankees 3
A superb mix of well-timed double plays by the Rangers and wild pitches and walks by the Yankees led to a 5-3 victory in the Bronx for the defending American League Champion Rangers in their first visit to New York since the playoffs.
The Rangers’ infield of Adrian Beltre, Michael Young, Mitch Moreland and Elvis Andrus induced six double plays, the last of which went 4-6-3 in the seventh, tying their team record, and the six double plays the Yankees hit into set a new record for one of baseball’s oldest franchises. The 1-6-3 double play in the fifth, grounded into by Derek Jeter illustrated the quick reflexes of the Rangers’ young infield. An All-Star shortstop, Andrus jumped inches into the cold New York air to glove a high throw from pitcher Matt Harrison and successfully get the ball to first base before Jeter. The 22-year-old shortstop was literally in the middle of five of the six twin killings. Much of the series against the Yankees brings about the dynamic of youth versus veterans. Ex: Andrus vs. Jeter; Moreland vs. Teixeira.
For the third start in a row, Matt Harrison looked like a truly transformed pitcher after he failed to make the postseason roster last season. Although he allowed 10 base runners on seven hits and three walks, Harrison completed eight innings and surrendered just a solo home run to Curtis Granderson in the eighth and a run resulting from a Nelson Cruz error in the third. Harrison isn’t shaken when runners get on base because he has a newfound level of confidence in himself and in his fielders, who made the necessary plays with ease Friday night.
In an unusual line score, the Rangers tallied five runs on just four hits off Ivan Nova. But he walked five batters and showed and propensity for balls in the dirt and wild pitches. In the top of the fifth, Nova threw three wild pitches, hit a batter and walked three more. This craziness resulted in three runs crossing the plate in the inning despite only one hit, an RBI single from Michael Young. That was Young'a second hit on the night following his 353rd career double, also for an RBI, in the third. With that trip to second base, he surpassed Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez for the most doubles in franchise history.
Neftali Feliz gave up a run in the ninth on a double, single and walk. For now, he and Harrison sport the same ERA of 1.23.
The Rangers’ infield of Adrian Beltre, Michael Young, Mitch Moreland and Elvis Andrus induced six double plays, the last of which went 4-6-3 in the seventh, tying their team record, and the six double plays the Yankees hit into set a new record for one of baseball’s oldest franchises. The 1-6-3 double play in the fifth, grounded into by Derek Jeter illustrated the quick reflexes of the Rangers’ young infield. An All-Star shortstop, Andrus jumped inches into the cold New York air to glove a high throw from pitcher Matt Harrison and successfully get the ball to first base before Jeter. The 22-year-old shortstop was literally in the middle of five of the six twin killings. Much of the series against the Yankees brings about the dynamic of youth versus veterans. Ex: Andrus vs. Jeter; Moreland vs. Teixeira.
For the third start in a row, Matt Harrison looked like a truly transformed pitcher after he failed to make the postseason roster last season. Although he allowed 10 base runners on seven hits and three walks, Harrison completed eight innings and surrendered just a solo home run to Curtis Granderson in the eighth and a run resulting from a Nelson Cruz error in the third. Harrison isn’t shaken when runners get on base because he has a newfound level of confidence in himself and in his fielders, who made the necessary plays with ease Friday night.
In an unusual line score, the Rangers tallied five runs on just four hits off Ivan Nova. But he walked five batters and showed and propensity for balls in the dirt and wild pitches. In the top of the fifth, Nova threw three wild pitches, hit a batter and walked three more. This craziness resulted in three runs crossing the plate in the inning despite only one hit, an RBI single from Michael Young. That was Young'a second hit on the night following his 353rd career double, also for an RBI, in the third. With that trip to second base, he surpassed Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez for the most doubles in franchise history.
Neftali Feliz gave up a run in the ninth on a double, single and walk. For now, he and Harrison sport the same ERA of 1.23.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Rangers Lose Back and Forth Game, Best Player: Tigers 5 Rangers 4
Originally, this post was supposed to be about the Rangers fought but lost but lost on a Miguel Cabrera single with the bases loaded for just the second time this season. Having just two losses on the season is excellent.
Although the Rangers lost the game in the bottom of the ninth to drop to 10-2, the more significant loss came to end the top of the first. After Michael Young singled with one out, Josh Hamilton tripled. When the next batter, Adrian Beltre fouled a popup that got away from the catcher, the third base coach elected to send the speedy Hamilton and force a play at home plate. Catcher Victor Martinez did locate the ball in time to make a play. Hamilton dived into home as a result, yet was still tagged out. Following the inning, he immediately went down the tunnel and did not return. Ian Kinsler replaced me in the lineup at designated hitter for his next at-bat.
In interviews after the game, Hamilton said he did not want to break for home but followed his coach’s instructions. An MRI revealed that Hamilton suffered a small fracture of the humerus bone in his shoulder.
Although the Rangers lost the game in the bottom of the ninth to drop to 10-2, the more significant loss came to end the top of the first. After Michael Young singled with one out, Josh Hamilton tripled. When the next batter, Adrian Beltre fouled a popup that got away from the catcher, the third base coach elected to send the speedy Hamilton and force a play at home plate. Catcher Victor Martinez did locate the ball in time to make a play. Hamilton dived into home as a result, yet was still tagged out. Following the inning, he immediately went down the tunnel and did not return. Ian Kinsler replaced me in the lineup at designated hitter for his next at-bat.
In interviews after the game, Hamilton said he did not want to break for home but followed his coach’s instructions. An MRI revealed that Hamilton suffered a small fracture of the humerus bone in his shoulder.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Rangers Open Road Schedule With Doubleheader Split Against Orioles
Game 1: Orioles 5 Rangers 0
Game 2: Rangers 13 Orioles 1
The Rangers offense must have gotten caught in airport security because it didn’t show up for the inaugural road contest of the season, Game 1 of a doubleheader at Camden Yards and was fashionably late for Game 2, although when it arrived, the Rangers made sure everyone knew it.
The Rangers mustered only five hits in a Game 1 shutout at the hands of rookie Zach Britton. When the Rangers did have a runner on base, they quickly grounded into three double plays to erase their own chances. Needless to say, that is not a recipe for winning. While the offense remained stalled at a security checkpoint, catcher Yorvit Torreabla did throw out a runner attempting to steal second base for the first time this season. He had gone 0 for 4 in that pursuit during the first week of the season,
The Rangers did not dwell on the team’s first loss of the season because there was no time to waste on that. Colby Lewis dropped to 1-1 after taking the loss.
In the first two innings of Game 2, the offense had made its way out of the airport but then got stuck in traffic. Baltimore starter Jack Arrieta, a former TCU hurler, retired the first six Rangers without any resistance.
But after not playing in Game 1, David Murphy, just like he did on Opening Day, busted through what nobody else could at the time for a leadoff walk to begin the third inning. Walks can be bad signs, and this one opened the flood gates against Arrieta.
The bottom of the order (Murphy, Mike Napoli & Mitch Moreland) loaded the bases. Ian Kinsler was out on a fielder’s choice. With the bases still loaded and one out, Elvis Andrus hammered a two-run single into the gap. AL MVP Josh Hamilton followed suit and Adrian Beltre left no doubt about his two-run contribution over the wall. In a blink, a 1-0 deficit transformed into a 6-1 lead.
Matt Harrison, the Rangers' best pitcher one time through the rotation, went to the mound with renewed energy and confidence after his team took the lead. But he was already amped up following a second-inning homer by center fielder Adam Jones. After the home run, Harrison struck out the next three hitters and retired 18 in a row to complete seven innings.
In the fourth, Napoli homered and Moreland singled to officially end Arrieta’s night. His replacement, former Ranger Josh Rupe, allowed an RBI double to Kinsler. Arrieta’s line included eight earned runs, five strikeouts and two walks.
A Nelson Cruz sacrifice fly RBI increased the lead to 9-1 in the seventh. It was 10-1 after a Beltre double in the ninth scored Hamilton, who had two hits in each game. Nelson Cruz finished it off with a 3-run home run, which scored Beltre and Michael Young.
Game 2: Rangers 13 Orioles 1
The Rangers offense must have gotten caught in airport security because it didn’t show up for the inaugural road contest of the season, Game 1 of a doubleheader at Camden Yards and was fashionably late for Game 2, although when it arrived, the Rangers made sure everyone knew it.
The Rangers mustered only five hits in a Game 1 shutout at the hands of rookie Zach Britton. When the Rangers did have a runner on base, they quickly grounded into three double plays to erase their own chances. Needless to say, that is not a recipe for winning. While the offense remained stalled at a security checkpoint, catcher Yorvit Torreabla did throw out a runner attempting to steal second base for the first time this season. He had gone 0 for 4 in that pursuit during the first week of the season,
The Rangers did not dwell on the team’s first loss of the season because there was no time to waste on that. Colby Lewis dropped to 1-1 after taking the loss.
In the first two innings of Game 2, the offense had made its way out of the airport but then got stuck in traffic. Baltimore starter Jack Arrieta, a former TCU hurler, retired the first six Rangers without any resistance.
But after not playing in Game 1, David Murphy, just like he did on Opening Day, busted through what nobody else could at the time for a leadoff walk to begin the third inning. Walks can be bad signs, and this one opened the flood gates against Arrieta.
The bottom of the order (Murphy, Mike Napoli & Mitch Moreland) loaded the bases. Ian Kinsler was out on a fielder’s choice. With the bases still loaded and one out, Elvis Andrus hammered a two-run single into the gap. AL MVP Josh Hamilton followed suit and Adrian Beltre left no doubt about his two-run contribution over the wall. In a blink, a 1-0 deficit transformed into a 6-1 lead.
Matt Harrison, the Rangers' best pitcher one time through the rotation, went to the mound with renewed energy and confidence after his team took the lead. But he was already amped up following a second-inning homer by center fielder Adam Jones. After the home run, Harrison struck out the next three hitters and retired 18 in a row to complete seven innings.
In the fourth, Napoli homered and Moreland singled to officially end Arrieta’s night. His replacement, former Ranger Josh Rupe, allowed an RBI double to Kinsler. Arrieta’s line included eight earned runs, five strikeouts and two walks.
A Nelson Cruz sacrifice fly RBI increased the lead to 9-1 in the seventh. It was 10-1 after a Beltre double in the ninth scored Hamilton, who had two hits in each game. Nelson Cruz finished it off with a 3-run home run, which scored Beltre and Michael Young.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Rangers Complete Perfect Homestand: Rangers 7 Mariners 3
Good team make bad teams par for their errors, Good teams expect their #1 starter to say in the game even without his best pitches working. Good teams win close games.
All of that happened Wednesday afternoon for the Rangers who completed the sweep of the Seattle Mariners to improve to 6-0 on the nearly week-old season. Starter C.J Wilson looked like an ace on the mound, never getting rattled despite not having his usual control. While he walked only two, his pitches were visibly out of the zone at times.
Both teams traded runs in the second inning. In the top half, Wilson surrendered a leadoff single to Jack Cust and then struck out Justin Smoak, who has been on a tear against his former team. Jack Wilson smashed a ball just out of the reach of Elvis Andrus to put runners on first and third. New Mariner Brendan Ryan got the ball in the air for a sacrifice fly and a 1-0 lead.
In the bottom half of the second with one out, the Rangers loaded the bases on singles by David Murphy and Yorvit Torreabla and a Mitch Moreland walk. Ian Kinsler than reached on a bobbled ball and botched double play attempt by the Mariners’ Wilson to knot it at 1. Elvis Andrus took advantage of a wildly errant throw by Wilson on the next play to make it 3-1 with Felix Hernandez on the mound.
In the fifth and sixth innings, the offensively-challenged Mariners would score single runs by stringing together hits – a double and single in the fifth and two doubles in the sixth.
Making the most of his playing time, David Murphy led off the seventh with a single against Hernandez, who match Wilson in going seven innings. Murphy stole second base and traded places with Mitch Moreland after his double. That run would clinch the Rangers victory, although three singles and a double against Chris Ray and Brandon League padded the final score with three insurance runs.
Notes
All of that happened Wednesday afternoon for the Rangers who completed the sweep of the Seattle Mariners to improve to 6-0 on the nearly week-old season. Starter C.J Wilson looked like an ace on the mound, never getting rattled despite not having his usual control. While he walked only two, his pitches were visibly out of the zone at times.
Both teams traded runs in the second inning. In the top half, Wilson surrendered a leadoff single to Jack Cust and then struck out Justin Smoak, who has been on a tear against his former team. Jack Wilson smashed a ball just out of the reach of Elvis Andrus to put runners on first and third. New Mariner Brendan Ryan got the ball in the air for a sacrifice fly and a 1-0 lead.
In the bottom half of the second with one out, the Rangers loaded the bases on singles by David Murphy and Yorvit Torreabla and a Mitch Moreland walk. Ian Kinsler than reached on a bobbled ball and botched double play attempt by the Mariners’ Wilson to knot it at 1. Elvis Andrus took advantage of a wildly errant throw by Wilson on the next play to make it 3-1 with Felix Hernandez on the mound.
In the fifth and sixth innings, the offensively-challenged Mariners would score single runs by stringing together hits – a double and single in the fifth and two doubles in the sixth.
Making the most of his playing time, David Murphy led off the seventh with a single against Hernandez, who match Wilson in going seven innings. Murphy stole second base and traded places with Mitch Moreland after his double. That run would clinch the Rangers victory, although three singles and a double against Chris Ray and Brandon League padded the final score with three insurance runs.
Notes
- Happy Birthday to Adrian Beltre! Great backhand catch in the eighth inning!
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Ogando Wins The Duel of Inexperienced Starters: Rangers 3 Mariners 2
Alexi Ogando was only the fifth starter a little over a week ago after Tommy Hunter suffered a groin injury. But he’s making a case to stay there for a long time. He’s the first Rangers pitch to throw six scoreless innings in his first start since 2000.
Ogando tossed 90 well-located pitches and 55 strikes up to the plate over his six innings. He walked two, struck out four and showed a breaking ball and curve ball that weren’t part of his repertoire during his rookie season last year when he was mainly a fastball guy in the setup role.
Making his Major League debut for Seattle, 21-year-old Dominican Michael Pineda matched Ogando’s top-notch performance for six innings, leading to just a 1-0 lead for the Rangers through 5 ½ innings. They scored the run in the second on a triple from Mitch Moreland that followed a two-out walk to Nelson Cruz. The Rangers team already has 18 two-out RBI’s this season. Moreland also doubled in the fifth to account for the second Ranger hit of the game.
But Ian Kinsler started a rally, leading off the sixth with a leadoff single that bounced funny on the grass. He’s knows his new job description down to a Texas ‘T.’ Elvis Andrus, now batting second in the order, sacrificed Kinsler to second, putting Kinsler in scoring position for Josh Hamilton’s two-bagger in the gap. The reigning MVP crossed the plate on a double by Michael Young, his first RBI of the season. Young started at first base for the first time in his big-league career Tuesday, looking fairly comfortable and making a driving stab on an Adam Kennedy ball that was heading down the line for the first out of the ninth inning in a then 3-2 game.
Now 5-0, one thing the Rangers need to watch for is getting a nice lead and then allowing their opponent to comeback and score. On Tuesday, the Mariners connected for four straight singles off Mark Lowe and Darren in the seventh. Oliver rebounded in the eighth with a 1-2-3 inning, all on groundouts.
Neftali Feliz, pitching on the third day in a row, notched his second save in as many nights.
Ogando tossed 90 well-located pitches and 55 strikes up to the plate over his six innings. He walked two, struck out four and showed a breaking ball and curve ball that weren’t part of his repertoire during his rookie season last year when he was mainly a fastball guy in the setup role.
Making his Major League debut for Seattle, 21-year-old Dominican Michael Pineda matched Ogando’s top-notch performance for six innings, leading to just a 1-0 lead for the Rangers through 5 ½ innings. They scored the run in the second on a triple from Mitch Moreland that followed a two-out walk to Nelson Cruz. The Rangers team already has 18 two-out RBI’s this season. Moreland also doubled in the fifth to account for the second Ranger hit of the game.
But Ian Kinsler started a rally, leading off the sixth with a leadoff single that bounced funny on the grass. He’s knows his new job description down to a Texas ‘T.’ Elvis Andrus, now batting second in the order, sacrificed Kinsler to second, putting Kinsler in scoring position for Josh Hamilton’s two-bagger in the gap. The reigning MVP crossed the plate on a double by Michael Young, his first RBI of the season. Young started at first base for the first time in his big-league career Tuesday, looking fairly comfortable and making a driving stab on an Adam Kennedy ball that was heading down the line for the first out of the ninth inning in a then 3-2 game.
Now 5-0, one thing the Rangers need to watch for is getting a nice lead and then allowing their opponent to comeback and score. On Tuesday, the Mariners connected for four straight singles off Mark Lowe and Darren in the seventh. Oliver rebounded in the eighth with a 1-2-3 inning, all on groundouts.
Neftali Feliz, pitching on the third day in a row, notched his second save in as many nights.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Harrison Shows His Stuff: Rangers 5 Red Sox 1
The Rangers meant business in Sunday’s series finale against the Boston Red Sox. A combination of the fiery offense and Matt Harrison’s pitching brilliance led the team to 5-1 win.
Harrison threw seven innings, struck out eight, walked two and allowed just five hits. Through six innings, Harrison displayed the command that pitching coaches’ dream about with his slider, resulting in a multitude of swings and misses by Major League veterans such as Kevin Youklis, Dustin Pedroia and Adrian Gonzalez. Three strikeouts, two looking and one swinging, brought Gonzalez’s hot start as a Red Sox to an end for the day.
The only hint of trouble came in the top of the seventh when the first two batters reached on a walk and a single. Carl Crawford, known for his speed, reached on a single, which scored Kevin Youklis easily for the Red Sox only run of the game. Both of Harrison’s free passes were part of the mini-rally against a pitcher with shutout-quality stuff.
Ian Kinsler and Nelson Cruz contributed to the home run smash party for the third day in a row. Cruz’s upper-deck blast to right field was a sight not often seen. Kinsler kept everyone waiting a bit, going deep in his second at-bat as opposed to leading off the game with the long ball as he did in the previous two contests. Napoli also hit his second and David Murphy connected on his first. Kinsler and Cruz are reportedly the first pair of teammates in Major League history to each homer in the first three games of the season.
Harrison threw seven innings, struck out eight, walked two and allowed just five hits. Through six innings, Harrison displayed the command that pitching coaches’ dream about with his slider, resulting in a multitude of swings and misses by Major League veterans such as Kevin Youklis, Dustin Pedroia and Adrian Gonzalez. Three strikeouts, two looking and one swinging, brought Gonzalez’s hot start as a Red Sox to an end for the day.
The only hint of trouble came in the top of the seventh when the first two batters reached on a walk and a single. Carl Crawford, known for his speed, reached on a single, which scored Kevin Youklis easily for the Red Sox only run of the game. Both of Harrison’s free passes were part of the mini-rally against a pitcher with shutout-quality stuff.
Ian Kinsler and Nelson Cruz contributed to the home run smash party for the third day in a row. Cruz’s upper-deck blast to right field was a sight not often seen. Kinsler kept everyone waiting a bit, going deep in his second at-bat as opposed to leading off the game with the long ball as he did in the previous two contests. Napoli also hit his second and David Murphy connected on his first. Kinsler and Cruz are reportedly the first pair of teammates in Major League history to each homer in the first three games of the season.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Six-Run Fourth Instrumental In Victory: Rangers 12 Red Sox 5
Saturday’s second game of the season followed a script much like Friday. Ian Kinsler was even nice enough to provide an encore of his leadoff home run heroics. With that, he wrote himself into the history books by becoming the first player in Major League history to homer to begin each of a team’s first two games of the season, according to Stats, Inc.
Kinsler’s ball opened the scoring in the bottom of the first inning against John Lackey. But in the top of the second, former Ranger minor leaguer Adrian Gonzalez singled, his first of three hits, two batters before David Ortiz hit one out of the ballpark to quickly reverse the scoreboard into the Red Sox’s favor. Commenced by Kinsler’s double with one out in the third, Elvis Andrus and Josh Hamilton would both record RBI extra base hits (triple and double in that order) to knot the game at 3 apiece.
That’s where the similarities end and the Rangers offense officially asserts itself. What better way to do that than with an Adrian Beltre grand slam following a walk of the reigning American League MVP. The grand slam to deep center served as the highlight of a six-run extravaganza which featured five hits and two walks. At the end of the party, the Rangers’ lead had ballooned to 9-3.Yorvit Torreabla and Nelson Cruz took it upon themselves to cushion the lead in the fifth and sixth innings, respectively. On top of he home runs, Elvis Andrus and Julio Borbon each played very well offensively, Andrus knocked a triple in the third, a double in the fourth and a single in the fifth with two RBI’s and two runs scored. Borbon had a triple in the fourth and an infield single, finishing with one RBI and a run scored.
Colby Lewis started for the Rangers after going 3-0 for the Rangers in October and collecting a World Series victory, For him, run support is a new concept after last season. Pedro Strop, Mason Tobin (Rule 5 pick) and Darren O’Day each pitched one inning.
Kinsler’s ball opened the scoring in the bottom of the first inning against John Lackey. But in the top of the second, former Ranger minor leaguer Adrian Gonzalez singled, his first of three hits, two batters before David Ortiz hit one out of the ballpark to quickly reverse the scoreboard into the Red Sox’s favor. Commenced by Kinsler’s double with one out in the third, Elvis Andrus and Josh Hamilton would both record RBI extra base hits (triple and double in that order) to knot the game at 3 apiece.
That’s where the similarities end and the Rangers offense officially asserts itself. What better way to do that than with an Adrian Beltre grand slam following a walk of the reigning American League MVP. The grand slam to deep center served as the highlight of a six-run extravaganza which featured five hits and two walks. At the end of the party, the Rangers’ lead had ballooned to 9-3.Yorvit Torreabla and Nelson Cruz took it upon themselves to cushion the lead in the fifth and sixth innings, respectively. On top of he home runs, Elvis Andrus and Julio Borbon each played very well offensively, Andrus knocked a triple in the third, a double in the fourth and a single in the fifth with two RBI’s and two runs scored. Borbon had a triple in the fourth and an infield single, finishing with one RBI and a run scored.
Colby Lewis started for the Rangers after going 3-0 for the Rangers in October and collecting a World Series victory, For him, run support is a new concept after last season. Pedro Strop, Mason Tobin (Rule 5 pick) and Darren O’Day each pitched one inning.
Friday, April 1, 2011
Murphy Saves the Day: Rangers 9 Red Sox 5
Statistically, no one got a save in the Rangers’ 9-5 victory over the Boston Red Sox to open the 2011 season and the defense of the American League Championship in Arlington.
Give David Murphy the credit. After three hours of watching the game from the dugout, Murphy came to the plate in the eighth inning and smoked a two-RBI double to help the Rangers re-establish their lead at 7-5 following a David Ortiz homer that tied the game at 5.
Murphy’s two-bagger was the first of three such hits that would solidify the win, the Rangers’ third consecutive on Opening Day. Murphy scored on a double into the corner by Elvis Andrus, who batted second behind Ian Kinsler for the first time in his career. Andrus crossed the plate on Josh Hamilton’s double, his only hit of the day, to put the ninth run on the board.
The Rangers succeeded in coming back after being down 2-0 and 4-2 as well as even at 5. The leadoff spot agrees with Kinsler, who hit the second pitch of the game for a homerun off Boston starter Jon Lester and cut a 2-0 deficit to 2-1. Nelson Cruz went deep to begin the third inning to square it at 2.
Rangers' starter C.J. Wilson struggled through the top of the third, allowing a double, two singles and a walk and two earned runs in a laborious frame. He would give up only one hit after that. In the bottom of the fourth, singles by third baseman Adrian Beltre and Nelson Cruz set up a 3-run shot for Mike Napoli, a former divisional foe, and a 5-4 score in favor of the Rangers.
Wilson's final line came to 5 2/3 innings pitched, six hits and six strikeouts. Lester did not strikeout anyone in 5 1/3 innings. Reigning Rookie of the Year Neftali Feliz struck out former battery mate Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Jacoby Ellsbury to end the game.
Give David Murphy the credit. After three hours of watching the game from the dugout, Murphy came to the plate in the eighth inning and smoked a two-RBI double to help the Rangers re-establish their lead at 7-5 following a David Ortiz homer that tied the game at 5.
Murphy’s two-bagger was the first of three such hits that would solidify the win, the Rangers’ third consecutive on Opening Day. Murphy scored on a double into the corner by Elvis Andrus, who batted second behind Ian Kinsler for the first time in his career. Andrus crossed the plate on Josh Hamilton’s double, his only hit of the day, to put the ninth run on the board.
The Rangers succeeded in coming back after being down 2-0 and 4-2 as well as even at 5. The leadoff spot agrees with Kinsler, who hit the second pitch of the game for a homerun off Boston starter Jon Lester and cut a 2-0 deficit to 2-1. Nelson Cruz went deep to begin the third inning to square it at 2.
Rangers' starter C.J. Wilson struggled through the top of the third, allowing a double, two singles and a walk and two earned runs in a laborious frame. He would give up only one hit after that. In the bottom of the fourth, singles by third baseman Adrian Beltre and Nelson Cruz set up a 3-run shot for Mike Napoli, a former divisional foe, and a 5-4 score in favor of the Rangers.
Wilson's final line came to 5 2/3 innings pitched, six hits and six strikeouts. Lester did not strikeout anyone in 5 1/3 innings. Reigning Rookie of the Year Neftali Feliz struck out former battery mate Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Jacoby Ellsbury to end the game.
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