But find themselves in last place in the American League West after the first 15 games of the 2010 season. (AP Photo/Winslow Townson)Whether it was bullpen issues (game one) or faulty starting pitching (game two), the Rangers found different ways to lose to the Boston Red Sox (6-10). The Texas Rangers (6-9) had a lead going into the eight inning of the first game but blew it late, then came back to tie it up in the second game but failed to capitalize; losing the first two games in walk-off fashion. However, they did close out the series strong.
Recaps:
In Tuesday's game, the Texas Rangers were able to make some history.
On the notoriously easy-to-steal-on pitcher/catcher combo of Tim Wakefield and Victor Martinez, the Rangers set a franchise-record with nine steals. Texas used it's base-running advantage to the tune of a 6-2 lead going into the bottom of the sixth inning and even led 6-4 going into the bottom of the eighth. Colby Lewis, who has pitched well to begin the season, allowed three runs and struck out five in five innings. Unfortunately for Texas, then it had to turn to it's bullpen.
The Rangers' pen gave up four runs in 3 2-3's innings, led by Darren Oliver (two earned) and Frank Francisco - who blew yet another save opportunity. Francisco loaded the bases in the bottom of the ninth and unlikely hero Darnell McDonald, who had been called up from the minors just hours earlier, knocked in the game-winner.
"We didn't figure out a way to shut the game down," Rangers' Manager Ron Washington said.
The win snapped Boston's five-game losing streak.
Boston 7 Texas 6
Wednesday night, Texas jumped out to a 4-0 lead before Rangers' starter Matt Harrison gave up six runs in the first four innings before being pulled. Texas was able to claw its way back into the game after a Josh Hamilton three-run home run in the 7th inning tied it at 7-7.
The game lasted until the bottom of 12th inning, with neither team able to generate much-offense before Kevin Youkilis came through in a big way. Youkilis doubled off the left-center field wall, as the Red Sox won yet another game with a clutch late-inning hit.
"I thought we actually played well tonight," Michael Young said. "Up until we got the 'L' it was a fun game to be apart of."
When your starting pitcher gives up three home runs, including a grand-slam from J.D. Drew, that's not playing well there buddy.
Boston 8 Texas 7
C.J. Wilson made sure Thursday night that the Rangers losing streak would not reach seven. Wilson got his first win of the season, pitching 6 2-3 innings of shut-out baseball as he kept the ball on the ground and let his defense work in his favor. It was scoreless going into the seventh inning, but Texas was able to manufacture a couple of runs and took a 3-0 lead going into the bottom of the inning. Nelson Cruz knocked in a run on a single and scored a run on a David Murphy double.
Darren Oliver got 5 outs for his first save of the season and the bullpen held its end of the bargain with 2 1-3 of 2 hit, four strike-out scoreless baseball.
"When the final out was made, a big weight was lifted off my shoulders and a lot of other people's as well," Wilson said.
The losing streak is over and what better way to do it than by shutting-out the Boston Red Sox.
Texas 3 Boston 0
Whats Next:
The Detroit Tigers come to town for a three-game set starting Friday night at the Ballpark in Arlington. Detroit is 9-7 this season, second in the American League Central.
First pitch is at 7:05 p.m. with Scott Feldman going against Max Scherzer.
News and Notes:
- Justin Smoak has been called up from Triple-A Oklahoma and Chris Davis has been sent down to the minors.
- During the course of the series, the Rangers vaulted from the bottom five in the Majors in steals to the best team in baseball at 20. Texas had 14 steals in the series
- With a 1.37 ERA for the season, C.J. Wilson has the
- Before the first two games of this series, Texas hadn't lost back-to-back walk-off games since the 2002 season.
- Even after the six-game losing streak, the Rangers are three games back of the Oakland Athletics (10-7) for first in the A.L. West.
(Portions of this article were taken from The Associated Press)
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