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.
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