Texas Rangers Shutout the Chicago White Sox

CHICAGO — After the second loss due to a rainout Monday night, the Texas Rangers entered Tuesday’s game gusto and defeated the Chicago White Sox 16-0. Before the game Ron Washington spoke to Texas Rangers’ radio broadcaster Eric Nadel. Wash explained that he had the players out on the field doing different drills, basically reminding them how to play hardball, the smart way. That seemed to do the trick.

Every single starter contributed to the game. Colby Lewis pitched a gem. The defense had his back. The offense gave him run support, including a three run lead in the first inning. Colby Lewis showed the team that he, too had their backs.

THE PITCHER: Colby Lewis earned his 8th win of the 2014 season and pitched his second career Complete Game Shutout. When was his first CG Shutout? May 16, 2011. Against which team? I’m glad you asked because it just-so-happens that it was at Chicago White Sox!

The right-handed Lewis threw 110 pitches of which 81 were strikes in 33 batters faced. Colby Lewis’ final line from Tuesday’s game is 9.0 IP, 6 H, 0 R/0 ER, 1 BB, 7 SO, 0 HR. Lewis entered last night’s game with a 5.98 ERA but left U.S. Cellular Field with a 5.50 ERA. I’d call that a pretty darn good quality outing.

So, Colby Lewis came to pitch. Well, the offense came to back him up and blast some baseballs.

THE BATS: If you had decided to NOT watch this game you surely didn’t do yourself any favors because the whole team was on fire! I’m talking 16 runs, 18 hits, 5 homers, three doubles and 15 RBI!!! Now you know with a score of 16-0 it HAD to be complete team effort and I assure you it was indeed.

In batting order here is how each player contributed to a fun win:

• Shin-Soo Choo: 4 AB, 2 R, 2 H with one double, 1 HR and 1 RBI
• Elvis Andrus: 4 AB, 1 R, 1 H with one double, 1 RBI and a sac bunt
• Alex Rios: 4 AB, 1 R, 1 H and 1 RBI
• Adrian Beltre: 4 AB, 2 R, 1 H, 1 HR and 2 RBI
• J.P. Arencibia: 5 AB, 1 R, 3 H with one double, 1 HR and 4 RBI
• Adam Rosales: 4 AB, 2 R, 2 H and 1 two-out double
• Rougned Odor: 6 AB, 1 R, 1 H
• Robinson Chirinos: 5 AB, 3 R, 3 H, 2 HR and 2 RBI
• Daniel Robertson: 4 AB, 2 R, 3 H and 3 RBI

As you can see it truly was a true team effort. I know it has been a tough season for Texas Rangers fans and for the players themselves, but watching a game like this suggests that 2015 should not be a repeat of 2014. Colby Lewis is improving with each outing which means he’s getting stronger and more confident as well as making a strong case to be in next season’s rotation. Shin-Soo Choo is starting to look healthier, his being patient again and he’s running the bases better.

If a fan takes something away from this game and even games that the Texas Rangers just barely lose I hope it is this: The 2014 season may not hold a postseason for the Rangers, but the rest of the season is not all doom and gloom. Enjoy these moments as they come and remember that you love the Texas Rangers, even if they’ve never loved you back.