Morning Murmurs: Rangers Beat Padres

Sep 1, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Texas Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus (1) hits an RBI single during the seventh inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Elvis Andrus had a rough start in 2015 and there is no denying that. Andrus himself couldn’t even deny it and often felt himself losing focus. But he showed some maturity and went to Rangers skipper Jeff Banister and asked him to hold him more accountable. Some find this silly that a MLB player is losing his focus, but I view it as a sign of maturity, and boy am I happy for it.

Andrus has been much better in the second half, and last night he was spectacular. When things are going right some nights, they are going right, and last night was one of those nights. Andrus was dialed in from the beginning and he made highlight real play after highlight real play. In the top of the seventh inning, Andrus delivered with a single to right with the bases loaded, clearing the bases and breaking a 4-4 tie to make it 7-4. But Andrus wasn’t done there, as he found himself standing on third base with two away. Andrus noticed that Padres pitcher Kevin Quackenbush wasn’t paying attention from the stretch, and he stole home on the righty to make it 8-4. That’s playing with energy, playing loose, and having fun, all vital when making a postseason push.

Just when you thought the seventh inning couldn’t get better for Andrus, he found a way to do it out in the field. A sharp ground ball was hit into the hole between third and shortstop, one that would’ve easily scored two. Andrus not only cut the ball off, but made a remarkable jump throw to retire Justin Upton and keep the 8-4 lead.  Three remarkable plays that without a doubt changed the course of the game for the Rangers.

Next: Offense Finds Its Stride