Cubs Beat Rangers 6 to 5: Early Offense and CJ’s Early Exit

Rangers Offense:

The Texas Rangers scored five runs in this game; all of them came in the 1^st inning. From that point on the Rangers could not manage to get anything else on the board. Esteban German hit a one out single to left field and promptly stole second base. David Murphy then reaches base on an error by Chicago pitcher Andrew Cashner and German scored on the play. David Murphy then stole second base allowing Nelson Cruz to hit an RBI double to right field. Mitch Moreland came up and hit a homer to right scoring Cruz. Mike Napoli singled to center and Chris Davis up next struck out. Yorvit Torrealba was walked and Andres Blanco singled to right field and scored Napoli and Andres Blanco was then tagged out at second to end the inning.

C.J. Leaves the Game:

Rangers’ ace C.J. Wilson left the game after two innings allowing four hits and three runs (two of which were earned). Those of us watching the broadcast could not help but panic, after all this is how the last week has gone. CJ was interviewed after the game and said that he had tightness in his left hamstring as a result of sprints he had done the previous day. He made it clear that this would in no way affect his Opening Day start this Friday.

Mark Lowe Gets through an Inning:

This shouldn’t be a headline but with Mark Lowe’s terrible spring it’s a good thing for sure. Lowe who has earned a 12.00 ERA this spring was able to finish an inning with no hits and a strike-out. Let’s hope he can get some momentum going and be Mark Lowe for us in the bullpen.

Feliz Closes:

I was personally disappointed that Neftali Feliz will not be in the rotation for this season. Since the announcement I have grown to appreciate what an excellent closer he was for us last season. Also I had a few people tell me different variations of “What’s the good of having him start a game if there isn’t someone to finish it.” Feliz pitched the 9^th inning allowing one hit and no runs, basically what we expect from Mr. Feliz.

Today’s Game:

The Rangers take on the Mariners tomorrow afternoon in the final televised game of the spring. The game will be on TXA-21 and 103.3 FM Radio in the DFW area. Colby Lewis is expected to get his final start of the spring and is scheduled to pitch in Saturdays regular season game against the Boston Red Sox.

–  Jonathan