Feliz Blows Save; Francoeur Gives Royals 2-1 Win with 10th Inning RBI Single

For the first time this season, the Texas Rangers lose a game in which they have the lead in the eighth inning. Derek Holland has the start for the Rangers last night against Kansas City and almost made for a complete game shutout. Holland was able to strike out five batters and walk only one.

For a second straight game, Feliz blows the save giving up the Rangers 1-0 lead as the Royals batted in the ninth. Since his return from the DL, Nefty has struggled. If he doesn’t get back to himself, Texas may very well be in trouble. Although he blew his save Wednesday night, the Rangers were able to pull through for the win.

After the blown save on Thursday, the ball was handed over to Darren Oliver as well as Cody Eppley, who combined allowed three singles, which turned into a scored run for KC giving them the 2-1 victory to split the series.

Chris Davis and His Home Run

Chris Davis was in for Michael Young last night as DH so that Young could get some rest for the very first time for the 2011 MLB season. The Rangers single score last night was from Davis, who hit a home run to the right (383 feet) early in the game in the second inning. This homer sent Davis’ batting average up to .255. This home run kept the Rangers in the lead until the bottom of the eighth when Holland allowed a single line hit to center from Eric Hosmer and he was pulled off the mound.

Ninth Inning and Feliz

When Feliz was brought in with Hosmer on first, he couldn’t get that strikeout pitch on a 2-2 count for Jeff Francoeur. He hit a single, moving Hosmer to second. Butler and Betemit were both out with a fly out to center and a pop out to shortstop respectively. A wild pitch from Feliz sent Hosmer to third and Francoeur to second putting Hosmer in scoring position.

Hosmer ended up scoring when Mike Aviles hit a single towards Andrus, which held the Royals to only one scored run rather than the game-winning run. After walking Pena, Feliz is relieved by Mark Lowe, who gets the ground out sent his way by Escobar.

How the 10th Inning Played Out

Darren Oliver comes in for Mark Lowe to start the 10th inning. Gordon pops out to Andrus then Melky Cabrera singles to left. Cabrera makes it to third when Hosmer hits a single to right.

Cody Eppley relives Darren Oliver in hopes of another free inning of baseball. However, Francoeur singles to center, Hosmer goes to second and Cabrera makes the game-winning run snapping the Royals’ losing streak of five games.

Infielder to Outfield?

As if the outfield situation wasn’t already bad enough with Nelson Cruz and Josh Hamilton rehabbing in the Minors, Endy Chavez was pulled in the fourth inning with tightness in his right hamstring. It was Andres Blanco that made his way to the outfield for the first time ever. However, he did make an assist with Francoeur at second.

My Thoughts on the Game

I was honestly disappointed that the Rangers didn’t get in more hits than that. And how could they have let this game slip away from them when they had the lead heading into the ninth inning? Honestly. Come on. Nefty really needs to do some preparation mentally or something to get his head back into the game because while I do have confidence in him of turning things around, I don’t know if I can take another blown save.