Rangers Come From Behind with Strong Performances from Harrison and Hamilton

Last night the Texas Rangers took on the Baltimore Orioles for the second of a three-game series. The Rangers won the first game with a ton of offense and yesterday’s game was a little different.

Going into the sixth inning the Rangers were down 2 to 0. With Josh Hamilton at third base, Nelson Cruz hits a single to left to pick up a run. In the seventh inning with two-out, Josh Hamilton came to bat with Elvis Andrus and Yorvit Torrealba on base. Josh hit a line drive to left scoring both runners, and from here Adrian Beltre picked up his 22^nd double on the season scoring Hamilton. The Rangers came from behind and never looked back, winning the game 4 to 2

Matt Harrison decided to be the dominating version last night; he went six innings only allowing two solo home-runs. He gave up 11 hits, which is generally not good. Fortunately he was able to pitch well when runners were on, holding Baltimore to 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position. Another good sign from Harry was that he had five strikeouts and no walks. Unfortunately this ended up as a no decision for Harrison. The team won, and he pitched well enough to help it happen.

Tommy Hunter pitched a scoreless-hit less seventh inning, and picked up the win (just by being in the right place at the right time). Not to diminish his performance, Tommy was exactly what the Rangers need him to be, a flame thrower from the bullpen – who can go deeper than an inning when needed. After the game Ron Washington remarked “I just felt Tommy was the guy”. Mark Lowe pitched the eighth giving up a hit but no runs, another good sign that the bullpen is shaping up.

The closer Neftali Feliz finished up the game with a scoreless hitless 9^th inning, picking up his 17^th save of the season.

In 2 hours and 40 minutes the Rangers played one of the most complete games I have seen from them all season. The pitching was the story early in the game, and the offense backed it up late. Tomorrow the boys look to pick up the sweep against the Orioles, same time – same place.

-Jonathan