(Photo via Keith Allison)

Really?  3 in a row?  I don’t think I recognize this team anymore…

It was a pretty good game all-around for the Rangers.  Matt Harrison, despite getting in a little trouble in the 2nd and 7th innings, was pretty solid, going 6 2/3 innings with 8 hits, 2 runs, 3 walks and 3 punch outs, improving his record to 13-6.  After 2 fairly rough outings, it was nice to see Harry bounce back.

The offense also continued to show signs of life.  As a team, they were 2-6 with runners in scoring position and only left 3 men on base…not spectacular, but a lot better than they’ve been over the past few weeks.

The Rangers were up 2-1 heading into the 7th, but as we all know, no lead is safe so it would definitely be nice to get a couple more runs as a cushion.  Michael Young would lead off the inning with single to short.  Geovany Soto would then walk.  And in a very un-Wash-like move, Wash let Mitch Moreland, who is just a .231 hitting against lefties, bat against LHP Jose Mijares.  And just like that, Wash’s gut was proved right yet again as Moreland blasted a home run to right center, giving the Rangers a 5-1 lead.

The Royals would go on to score another 2 runs, but it wasn’t enough.

FINAL: Rangers 5, Royals 3

After the game

• Since returning from the DL on July 30, Moreland is .438.  Friday’s home run was his first since June 15.
• Ogando game in to pitch in the 9th, striking out 2 and earning his 2nd save of the year.
• Earlier on Friday, Hamilton’s big secret was finally revealed:  He’s addicted to chewing tobacco.  From what I’m told, quitting snuff is actually quite a bit harder than cigarettes and can be pretty hard on the body.  I’m not really sure why Hamilton chose to quit in the middle of a pennant race, but I wish him luck in his endeavor.