Texas Rangers Take Game One of the Silver Boot Rivalry

The Rangers picked up three runs in the first inning and three runs in the second inning and never looked back. They went on to defeat the Houston Astros 8-3, in what felt like a preseason exhibition game against a team stacked with minor league prospects. This Astros team is very different from the teams we’ve seen in recent years.

On the offense side the Texas Rangers took care of business. Josh Hamilton was 2 for 4 with two RBIs, and Adrian Beltre was 3 for 4 with two RBIs. Michael Young, Nelson Cruz and Craig Gentry each had an RBI in the game (Gentry was an impressive 3 for 4). Mitch Moreland knocked in a solo home run in the eighth inning. The statistic I love looking at as a barometer of how the offense is clicking is chances with runners in scoring position, the Rangers last night were 5-for-12 with RISP.

The Dutch Oven was back last night it seemed. Going 7.1 innings before being pulled in the eighth, he allowed six hits and three runs. Derek Holland also earned four strikeouts and allowed three to walk. Mark Lowe came in to shut down the rest of the eighth inning, and Darren Oliver closed out the game.

Overall every aspect of the Rangers game worked well last night, and the defense did not have an error either. Rangers’ fans everywhere are hoping this is the spark they needed to build a safe lead in their division.

-Jonathan