Rangers Analysis: Morning Murmurs
Aug 2, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers first baseman Mitch Moreland (18) makes the final put out on San Francisco Giants designated hitter Hunter Pence (8) in the ninth inning at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Texas won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Welcome to the first edition of Morning Murmurs, something that I think a lot of you are going to enjoy! We all have those thoughts after a thrilling Ranger win or an agonizing defeat, those thought that you carry with you all throughout the morning at school or in the workplace. The thoughts you stew with over a warm cup of Joe, whether it be a move Banister made, or a Beltre blast that made getting out of bed a little easier. I know I have those thoughts and there is no doubt in my mind that some of you do too. So this is exactly what this is for, three quick thoughts to start your day about whatever happened the night before. I’ll leave my thought here, and I would love to hear yours in the comment section below! So let’s get right to it!
Next: Elvis' Glove Shows Up
Aug 2, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus (1) and second baseman Rougned Odor (12) celebrate turning a double play on San Francisco Giants catcher Buster Posey (28) to end the game at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Texas won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Elvis’ Glove Shows Up
Elvis Andrus has had a rough go so far this season defensively at shortstop, and that is putting it mildly. So far this season he has a .963 fielding percentage which would tie his 2011 season for his career worst. His 18 errors already equal the total he put up all of last season and he has started 51 less games than he did last year. But on Sunday afternoon Elvis made a couple of sensational plays to help out the Rangers and preserve the big win.
In the 4th inning with two outs and no one on, Matt Duffy hit a screaming grounder to Elvis’ left. Elvis took a couple of steps before laying out for a full extension grab, and then quickly scrambled to his feet where he made a strong throw in time to get Duffy out. Little did we know that Elvis was saving his best for later.
In the 9th inning with the Rangers hanging on to a one run lead, Hunter Pence stepped up to the plate with one out and the bases loaded. Hunter Pence can run pretty well, and he hit a chopper that looked to be just slow enough to score the tying run and send this thing into extras at best. But, Elvis came up and charged the ball and sent a strong flip over to Odor, who was able to take the chest high flip and fire a dart to Mitch Moreland to complete the 6-4-3 double play. It’s easy to overlook the play from Elvis, but without Elvis coming and getting that ball and delivering a perfect toss, Odor’s strong throw never happens.
Next: Welcome Back Martin Perez
Aug 2, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers starting pitcher Martin Perez (33) tips his cap to the crowd as he leaves the game in the ninth inning against the San Francisco Giants at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Texas won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Welcome Back Martin Perez
Wow, was it nice to get a quality start, and was it nice to see Martin Perez go after the Giants hitters all afternoon long. This game was a quick one, and you can thank Perez for that. The 24-year-old southpaw absolutely dominated the Giants hitters on Sunday afternoon and the way he did it made it all the more impressive.
You talk about a bounce back performance after his absolutely terrible start against the Yankees, you couldn’t hope for much more if you are a Rangers fan. Martin Perez hurled a gem for the Rangers, pitching 8 1/3 solid innings, allowing just two hits and one earned run while striking out six. In what has been just his fourth start since coming off the DL, it looked like he has finally found his groove. Texas is 25th in the league in innings pitched by starting pitchers; so having Perez go 8 1/3 was a treat. If he can work quickly and keep the ball down like he did all afternoon long, the Rangers could really have something in this 24-year-old.
Next: Josh Hamilton Hits a Big One
Aug 2, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers left fielder Josh Hamilton (32) hits a two run home run in the sixth inning against the San Francisco Giants at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Josh Hamilton Hits a Big One
No Rangers fan needs to be informed on what type of hitter Josh Hamilton can be. I will forever remember his four home run game at Baltimore and while he isn’t the hitter he was then, he still has some pop in that bat. He showcased that power Sunday afternoon, and it proved to be the difference.
In the bottom of the sixth inning with two outs, Josh Hamilton stood at the plate with a man on first. Most Rangers fans and all of the MLB are aware, Josh is a fastball hitter and a well-placed curveball will usually do the trick. Mike Leake and Buster Posey certainly knew that and that is exactly what they went to on a 2-1 pitch. The one thing you cannot do with Josh is hang it, and that is exactly what Leake did. Hamilton turned on the hanging breaking ball and spun it into the seats, propelling the Rangers to a 2-0 lead and the only runs they’d get on the afternoon.
An interesting stat you can take with you on this Monday morning is this, when Josh Hamilton puts one into the seats, the Rangers are 4-0 this year. So what do you say Josh? Put a couple in souvenir city and let’s see if the boys can’t get a little win streak going and make a playoff push!
Next: Tanner Scheppers Lands on 15-Day DL
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