How many more days until the All-Star Break? (Image via Keith Allison)

It’s really a shame that Martin Perez had to get that loss.  Sure, the rookie wasn’t amazing, but he was pretty solid, going 6 innings, giving up only 2 earned runs, striking out 3 and walking 3 (one intentionally).  It’s a sad that yet again the offense couldn’t seem to get things going (and the defense…ahem…Nap Nap…didn’t help either).

A rough 3rd inning by the Rangers (and a good inning by the Twins) really just solidified this game for the Twins.  With two outs, Mauer put the first run on the board with a single.  But the damage should have stopped there.  Sadly Mike Napoli BADLY judged a routine popup on the first baseline and instead of the inning being over, the score was 2-0 and the Twins had a man on 2nd…and they would go on to score 1 more than inning.

Another run in the 4th would make the score 4-0.  The Rangers made a bit of noise in the 6th, scoring a run on a Nelson Cruz single, but that was about it.  The Twins would tack on 1 more on a Morneau solo home run in the 7th.

FINAL: Rangers 1, Twins 5

A few thoughts:

• When did Nelson Cruz become a Gold Glove outfielder? I’m pretty sure he makes at least 1 spectacular catch per game.  Oh, he made 2 in this game.
• Josh Hamilton left the game with lower back spasms in the 5th (immediately after he botched a fly ball to left center at the top of the inning).  I’m guessing this means that he won’t be playing in the All-Star Game, but what do I know.  I also want to start a campaign to get all the Rangers to do yoga…might help with all these hamstring and lower back issues?
• When Hamilton came out, Wash moved Gentry to Right (he was playing Center), moved Cruz to Left (he was playing Right), and Martin to Center.  WHY NOT JUST HAVE MARTIN PLAY LEFT?  He’s a major league outfielder, I’m pretty sure he can handle left.  And why would you move your other outfielders to positions they aren’t as good at just so one guy can feel comfortable?  Oh, did I mention that when Snyder pinch hit for Martin that he moved Gentry BACK to Center and Snyder to Right?  Come on, Wash.
• Nelson Cruz was the bright, shiny spot on this team tonight, going 2-3 with a double to go along with all that awesome fielding.  Nice to see someone show up to these games.  (Oh, and Gentry going 2-4.  Not too shabby.)
• Oh and they left TEN men on base and were 1-10 with runners in scoring position.  Dreadful.

Seriously, this team has just turned it off and is waiting for the All-Star Break.  There’s no other explanation.  We all know full well that they aren’t this bad.  But, man, do they look bad.  Honestly, I wish Wash would do a mix-up with the line up or something.  Move Gentry up in the order maybe?  I mean, he is the team’s hottest hitter.  Maybe play the younger guys more?  I don’t know, but clearly this lineup isn’t doing anything right now (not to say they can’t).  Maybe shaking things up can snap them out of this god-awful funk.