Let’s Talk About Cliff Lee – Recap of Saturday’s Game

Same story different night, the Texas Rangers took on the Philadelphia Phillies in interleague play. This is the second game in the three-game series, the Rangers lost game one. Playing in an National League park puts the Rangers at more of a disadvantage. With an already anemic offense, let’s take the DH away and have the pitcher hit…great plan. The Rangers lost two to nothing, and have lost the series. The rebounding Colby Lewis faced off against former Ranger Cliff Lee.

Cliff Lee who held a record of 2-4 prior to last night’s game, decided to be Cliff Lee today. In eight innings he allowed only five hits and no runs. Cliffy only allowed two walks and struck-out ten. Following up the eight shutout innings closer Ryan Madson finished the game allowing a hit and no runs. Madson earned the save pretty easily.

Only four of the Rangers’ batters earned hits yesterday. Michael Young earned half of the team’s six, continuing to be the only Ranger producing a consistent level. Mike Napoli, Ian Kinsler, and Elvis Andrus all each had a hit a piece.

On another night where a good pitching effort was overshadowed, Colby Lewis had a solid start today. Lewis pitched 6.2 innings allowing seven hits and two runs. One run came from a solo home-run from Ryan Howard; the other was from call-up John Mayberry on a single to left. It should also be noted that the Howard homer came after an 0 for 23 slump. Some teams get all the luck

Hopefully the rehab cavalry will be back in Arlington soon. Maybe Wash can pick up a Seinfeld DVD on his way back to Arlington tomorrow evening, and come up with a new line-up for Monday. It’s knee-jerk to blame the offense right now, when the bullpen has generally been the issue. The only constant has been the starting pitching.

This afternoon the Rangers take on the Phillies again in the series finale. Matt Harrison takes on Roy Oswalt, hopefully we can get the good Harrison and the bad Oswalt. #PleaseDontSweepTheRangers

-Jonathan