Angels 5, Rangers 4

In a moment more ominous than any moment in which Robert Mitchum appears on screen in The night of the Hunter, the Angels Torii Hunter hit a two out double in the top of the ninth off Joe Nathan. The night of the hunter is “culturally, historically, and aesthetically significant.” In the same way Rangers wasted a start by Yu Darvish in the first game of what is a crucial double header.

The Rangers jumped on top 2-0 on a Nelson Cruz home run in the second and through three innings were up 4-1 with help from a wind blown pop up double by Hamilton. The Angels rallied with single runs in the sixth and seventh. The one in the seventh coming off the best player in baseball this year, Mike Trout. It was the first HR allowed by Darvish since August 17th. Trout is only the third player to have 30 HR and 48 steals in a season. Eric Davis of the Reds in 1987, had 37 home runs and 50 steals and Barry Bonds in 1990 had 33 home runs and 52 steals.

Before the game Mike Adams was diagnosed with thoracic outlet syndrome and will rest the next 7-10 days. It is likely he won’t pitch again this season. This seems to be a thing with Ranger players, the most recent to be diagnosed is Matt Harrison but Hank Blaylock and Kenny Rogers have as well, going back a little further.

On Deck Game Two 6:05PM

Angels 7, Rangers 4

Barely a couple of sips into my Farmhouse wit by local brewery Deep Ellum, the omen was set with the very first batter of the game as Mike Trout lead off with a home run. Once the Angels settled in with a 4-1 lead after four innings, it was time watch and rekindle my childhood love with the provocative detective Angela Lansbury and Murder she wrote [now streaming on Netflix.] The Angels have knocked Dempster around since being traded over from the N.L. He’s 0-2 with an 11.20 ERA against them. All other A.L. Teams 7-1, 2.92 ERA.

With the learning today Mike Adams is out indefinitely with a neck strain, it’s even more important that Uehara has been very good this month.

In the month of September. In 11 appearances, Uehara has 8.1 IP, one hit allowed, no walks, no runs, and 14 strikeouts. Uehara has faced 20 straight batters without allowing a baserunner, and has struck out 12 of them.

This recent uptick in performance by Uehara comes at a crucial time with October around the corner. The bullpen usage usually increases in the playoffs, and particularly in the last two years the bullpen plays a large role in the success of a postseason team. Were it not for the work of Uehara and Nathan, the Rangers bullpen would be in a minor state of turmoil. Alexi Ogando has had his struggles in a few September appearances, and beyond that it is a little hit or miss what kind of production is going to be seen from the rest of the bullpen.

» Continue reading “Rangers Lose, Trout Fished In America, I Watched Murder She Wrote”

Sorry, Harry, no runs for you! (Image via Keith Allison.)

Guys, I thought we were past this?  You know, those days when we couldn’t get guys in from 2nd with no outs?

TWICE the boys had lead-off doubles (Cruz and Moreland).  TWICE.  And both times the Rangers failed to even move the runner AT ALL.  I wish I could just point to a couple of players, but unfortunately this was a team effort.

I’m just hoping they’re just getting it out of their system before the Playoffs.  Let’s just hope that “getting it out of their system” doesn’t mean letting the Athletics inch closer to overtaking the Rangers in the AL West. Thankfully, the A’s lost Saturday as well, lowering the Rangers magic number to 8.

It’s too bad the offense couldn’t get things together as Matt Harrison pitched 8 innings, giving up 8 hits and only 1 run…a solo shot in the 2nd inning to Michael Saunders.  Yeah, he started out a little shaky, but really started to cruise the late innings.  They just needed a little offense.  Just a little.

FINAL: Rangers 0, Mariners 1

Let’s get this straight…I really hate West Coast games. It’s almost impossible for me to stay up late, watch the game, and be functional at work in the mornings. Even though the Rangers and Angels have always had a good rivalry and today was a huge game with Holland and CJ Wilson on the mound, the Angels just didn’t seem like they could get people in the seats.

I’m pretty sure there should be a rule. If you don’t have a certain number of fans at a game the other team can push the game up to accommodate their fans. Sounds like a good idea to me!

Anyways…the game. I’ve been doing a happy dance over that game last night. Why? Holland took on CJ Wilson. That was fun to watch. Holland looked great last night. It looks like he’s settling in to his post season awesomeness. He pitched 7, gave up 2 runs and 6 hits.

CJ on the other hand only went 2 and 2/3 innings. Excuse me….BWAHAHAHA. Sorry, I’m done. The Rangers loaded the bases in the first but couldn’t get anything out of it…You could tell though it was only a matter of time before they started to hit the ball.

In the top of the 3rd Elvis started us off with a triple and then after Young and Napoli doubles the Rangers were on the board 3-0. Bye, Bye CJ!!!

The Rangers added a couple more in the 8th off a Nelly double and a Geovany Soto bomb to make the score 6-2…That’s how you do it boys. You throw the ball, you catch the ball, you hit the ball. Pretty simple right?

FINAL: Rangers 6, Angels 2

END OF GAME NOTES:

• Hamilton was still out with the snot rocket problem…Young did a good job of filling the 3 hole though. 5 AB, 2 runs, 2 hits, and 1 RBI…Not bad Mikey, not bad.
• Can I tell you how happy I am Holland beat CJ? Happy dances all around!
• Oakland lost again to the Tigers last night! Whoohoo!

(Image via Keith Allison.)

For the first time in franchise history, the Texas Rangers have hit the 3 million in attendance mark.  I guess back-to-back World Series appearances and the unusually mild Texas summer help things, huh?  It’s too bad the Rangers couldn’t get a win.   

We didn’t get the Derek Holland we had last game, but this one was OK too.  I’ll take a 7 inning, 7 strike outs, 2 run outing.  And sadly, like his last outing, Holland didn’t get a win. 

The offense tonight was fueled by Beltre/Cruz/Young who were responsible for the 2 runs scored in the 4th and for the 2 runs that put the Rangers on top in the 8th, but 4 runs just weren’t enough. 

Joe Nathan was brought in to finish things off in the 9th, his 3rd straight appearance in as many games.  A home run to the first batter he faced didn’t start things off well.  A single followed by ANOTHER home run and the Rangers were down 5-4.  Elvis Andrus did his best to muster up a rally by tripling with 2 outs in the bottom 9th, but David Murphy failed to get him home.  This was Nathan’s first blown save since April 11th…hard to be too upset about that.

FINAL: Rangers 4, Indians 5

Injury Updates: Josh Hamilton, who received a shot in his knee earlier today, was held out of the lineup as a precaution.  Adrian Beltre, who injured his shoulder in last night’s game, was restricted to DH duties.  The Rangers aren’t acting like either injuries are overly serious, but you never know.  Mike Olt, who left the game last night, has been diagnosed with plantar fasciitis and will probably be out 10-14 days.

Let’s start with this: Today is the 11th anniversary of 9/11. Let us never forget. A moment…

Now on to baseball…

When I was little I loved the Indians for some reason. They were my second team behind the Rangers. Why? I have no idea. I think as I got older though, my hardcore passion for the Rangers grew and the Indians got left in the dust.

Here we are in present day as the Rangers came back from an off day to take on the Cleveland Indians at home. Harrison vs. Jimenez. This should be interesting. I talked about it the last time the Indians played the Rangers. Does anyone remember when Jimenez rocked?

Yeah, about that. Now I just kind of want to laugh at him. Don’t get me wrong. I love the fact the boys came in and beat him up (with the exception of Hamilton), but seriously….how does someone go that downhill after being traded? I just don’t get it.

Jimenez lasted 5 innings but gave up 5 runs (only 2 of them being earned runs) , 4 hits and 4 walks. Harrison on the other hand looked pretty good out of the gate. He went 5 and 2/3 only giving up 2 on 5 hits and 3 walks.

The Rangers bats looked pretty good tonight too. Beltre knocked in his 31st ding dong… Kinsler, Moreland and Martin had doubles and Murphy, Martin and Soto had stolen bases. Yes, I know the stolen bases don’t have anything to do with the bats, but the fact that Soto stole a base got me excited. Sorry for partying people!

The Rangers got in a little bit of trouble in the 8th when Mike Adams came in…It was interesting. The Tribe put two more on the board making the score 6-4 Rangers.  Not to worry though. Joe Nathan came in in the 9th and shut it down.

I’m glad the Rangers pulled this one out. The A’s are seriously getting too close for comfort. I know it’s a pennant race, but let’s put some distance between us and them, ok guys?

FINAL: Rangers 6 , Indians 4

END OF GAME NOTES:

• Cruz was not in the starting lineup today. Could it be he’s not boomsticking enough?
• Where is Jurickson Profar? That kid is fun to watch. Let’s put him in more Wash. He’s proven he can play some ball. Plus, any 19 year old that says he ‘acted’ scared to get the same pitch is a hero in my book.
• I still love David Murphy.
• Mike Adams had an interesting 8th inning. I’m not really sure what he was doing. Still thinking about Joe Nathan in a Cowboys uniform? Don’t know what I’m talking about? Look it up…it’s kind of funny.

Happy Labor Day everybody! I love today. Celebrating working by not going to work. Awesome. I hope everyone had a great weekend at BBQs, pools, parties, games, etc!!!

The Rangers came to play today when Yu Darvish took the mound against Chen and the Kansas City Royals. Darvish looked awesome today. He pitched 7 innings, gave up 3 hits and 3 runs and struckout 6, but the coolest part was he had a perfecto game going into the 6th inning. He got the first 17 he faced out and was only broken up by a two out walk and a bloop single in the 6th.

Darvish was on today. He looked like he was more relaxed, throwing pitches he knew he was comfortable with, and cut down on his walks. It’s amazing what happens when you don’t give up 6 walks a game.

The Rangers had Darvish’s back and put up 8 runs with 5 bombs by Beltre, Cruz, Hamilton, Young and Soto. Home run happy team!!! That makes me happy.

In the top of the 9th inning it almost got a little dramatic when Royals pitcher, Louis Coleman, plunked Nelson Cruz in the back. He was obviously trying to send some kind of message, I’m just ot sure what that message was supposed to be.

Anyways, Nelly looked like he was ready to charge the mound when both benches were cleared and warned. The drama fizzled out when Michael Young hammered one to left center. That shut everyone up. It was great. The Royals couldn’t catch up to Joe Nathan however and the game would end with the Rangers on top by 4.

Have a great rest of the long weekend everyone!!!

FINAL: Rangers 8, Royals 4

END OF GAME NOTES

• I kind of missed Profar being in the lineup today. Kinsler went 0-5 and was less than impressive. Don’t get me wrong I love me some Kinsler, but with Profar at second that is one killer infield.
• Beltre is still eating his super Wheaties.
• Hamilton is either on fire or cold as ice. He’s either bombing home runs or striking out. There is no in between and it’s starting to get on my nerves. Let’s get some consistency in here people!
• David Murphy is still my hero. Dude is a stud.
• Matt Harrison hits the mound tomorrow to go for his 16th win.

I’ve decided that I have to go to every game for the rest of the season. I have been to three games in the last week and we win all of them. I didn’t go tonight, but I was there in spirit because of my sprained ankle I received at the last Rangers game.

Go me. But my spirit was apparently enough tonight. Holland took the mound tonight against the dreaded David Price (who’s having a great season). The Rangers weren’t scared though.

Holland gave up 2 in the top of the first after Elvis booted one (well maybe two, but we won’t count the first one)…but no worries people. The Rangers came back….and I mean back…on back to back Beltre and Cruz bombs. BOOM.

Back and forth, back and forth. The Rays were out to prove they had something against the Rangers. Not tonight my friends. The Rangers pulled it out 6-5 with Holland getting the win and Nathan, the save.

Sorry for the short post…It’s late….And the hydrocodone is starting to kick in. Peace, love and Rangers Baseball!

FINAL: Rangers 6, Rays 5

END OF GAME NOTES

• Whatever Beltre is eating, he needs to keep eating it…Spinach, beer, tacos, Freedom Fries, whatever….let’s keep the hitting alive.
• Nelly has still not convinced me in right field. He makes some major mistakes but finds a way to recover. It’s kinda freaking me out.
• Holland freaks out every once in awhile, but he looked pretty solid tonight. Just needs to find his rhythm  again and we’ll be solid.
• What the heck happened to Feldman? Bueller? Bueller?
• I love the fact Holland wore the stirrups again tonight. It’s way better than the Dutch Stache…just saying.

(Image via Keith Allison.)

The finale of the 4 game series against the Minnesota Twins got underway after a 1 hour and 26 minute rain delay.  Rangers’ starter, Scott Feldman, wasn’t helped much by the defense which put up 2 errors in the 3rd, allowing the Twins to go up 3-2.  Feldman would pitch 5 2/3 innings, gave up 10 hits, 6 runs (5 earned), walked 1 and struck out 4.

Heading into the bottom of the 6th and the Rangers down 6-2, Josh Hamilton did his best to get a comeback going by swatting a home run that would make things 6-4.  A Nelson Cruz BOOMSTICK would get the Rangers a run closer.  Unfortunately, the Rangers couldn’t mount another comeback, failing to complete the sweep of the Twins.

FINAL: Rangers 5, Twins 6

Game Notes:

• Craig Gentry and Ian Kinsler collided on a play that ended the top of the 5th.  Gentry was down for a bit, but remained in the game.  Good thing too, as he saved a potential 2-run home run with a crazy awesome catch in the 9th.  Kitten Face has some ups!
• Josh’s home run in the 6th was his 35th of the year which leads the AL.  He had 4 RBI for the day.  His 111 RBI for the year tops all of baseball.
• Today is Elvis Andrus’ birthday, who didn’t start, but did pinch hit in the 7th and took over at short stop for the remainder of the game.
• The Rangers now have 3 players with 20 or more home runs.  They are Hamilton, Adrian Beltre and Nelson Cruz.
• Koji Uehara made his first relief appearance for the Rangers since June 9.  Uehara gave up 1 hit in 1 inning of work.

(Image via Keith Allison.)

Man, it’s been a while since we’ve seen an offensive explosion like the one we saw Sunday.  So, can do that again?

With 19 hits and 11 runs, I think it’s safe to say that the offense really liked Toronto pitching today.  Every Ranger starter got at least 1 hit (with the exception of Adrian Beltre) and all reached base at least once.  Murphy, Kinsler, Hamilton, Cruz, Young, and Moreland each had a double, with both Young and Murphy also knocking a home run each.

It wasn’t just the offense that dazzled today.  Matt Harrison was quite impressive, going 8 innings and giving up 2 hits and 2 runs.  Harry also only walked 1 batter and struck out 7.  Honestly, Harry easily could have gone the distance but was pulled at 90 pitches after the 8th for Mark Lowe.

FINAL: Rangers 11, Blue Jays 2