<photo courtesy of Mike Lachance>

Scott Feldman immediately took the mound out of the bullpen and started the game for the Rangers. I think they call that a “spot start”. Robbie Ross relieved the red beard after 3 innings and pitched a perfect 2.2 innings to pick up the win against the Yankees 7 – 3.

And the Rangers offensive was at it again – Beltre, Kinsler, Nap Nap, Elvis, Moreland and Young! 

Adrian Beltre started it off with a solo shot early and he ended up going 3 for 5 while knocking in 3. And Kinsler too, at it again. He ended up 3 for 5 with 2 runs scored.

Mike Napoli and Mitch Moreland both left the yard, and I’m not talking about leaving the yard to go home after the game, I’m talking about home runs! Mike Young and Elvis contributed with an RBI each. And the Rangers put away the Yanks for the 2nd straight night to take the series victory, their 6th straight series win.

Let’s hope the Rangers can keep up the good work against the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday. Big Matt Harrison will be taking the mound against James Shields. Game time is 7:05 pm central. 

T’s Game Notes / Observations:

• The Rangers rocked the blue tops, blue caps, and white pants. I’m more of an all white fan myself, but I’ll take it.
• Derek Jeter led off the game with a single, and then another. He’s on fire.
• Josh Hamilton made a heck of a play in center, sliding on his ass for the catch and then doubling Mark Teixiera off at first.
• The big boy in centerfield caught another home run. Who is this mysterious kid?
• Beltre’s home run was estimated at 441 feet.
• The Rangers have won 6 straight series. Boom!
• Robbie Ross leads the American League in wins.

At the beginning of the season in 2010, Texas Rangers fans weren’t ready for what was about to come their way. We had the AL Champions in our midst, and we didn’t even realize it.

That doesn’t mean we didn’t have our problems along the way though. Jarrod Saltalamacchia (yup, that’s the longest name ever in baseball – in case you were wondering) started the season as the Rangers starting catcher.  As you may recall, Salty was the centerpiece of the Mark Teixeira trade in 2007 that brought the Rangers Elvis Andrus, Neftali Feliz and Matt Harrison.  He was the major league ready star.  He played well his first couple of seasons with the Rangers.  Then came 2010.

At the beginning of the 2010 season, his bat was on fire (he was hitting almost .340), but he was sent down to the minors because, wait for it….he couldn’t throw the ball back to the pitcher. Now, don’t get me wrong, I understand those throws to second are a doozy sometimes, but back to the pitcher? Come on Salty! That’s child’s play!

It was recorded in one of his games that 12 of his throws back to the pitcher were either in the dirt or sailed into center field (with 5 of the 12 coming in the first inning!). Thank goodness we’re past that!

Salty has now found a home with the Boston Red Sox and seems to have his yips under control.  He was traded to the BoSox at the trade deadline in 2010.

(Photo courtesy of flickr.com user Rich Anderson.)