Josh Hamilton, Vladimir Guerrero (both above) and the rest of the Rangers' high-powered offense close out series against M's in dominating fashion, and now hold a 1.5 game lead in A.L. West. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)Why can't the Texas Rangers (33-27) play the Seattle Mariners (23-37) every day?
The Rangers are now 8-2 this season against the division rivals Mariners, a team that was supposed to be a contender for the American League West title coming into the season. Texas beat up on Mariner pitching once again, pounding out 17 hits and scoring 10+ runs for the second consecutive game.
"Everyone is pulling their weight," said manager Ron Washington of the Rangers' lineup. "I hope we can continue it. [The Mariners] got some pitches up in the zone and we haven't missed em'."
Every Rangers' starter had at least one hit, and six batters had two or more, while four Rangers had at least two RBI, led by Hamilton (three) and Guerrero (two). Hamilton got Texas to a 3-0 lead in the first inning with a blast to left-center, a two-run homer. After the Mariners got to within 3-2 after the top of third, the Rangers came back in the bottom of the inning, taking control of the game with four runs and a 7-2 lead they would not relinquish.
"One guy hits, and it takes off from there," said Julio Borbon, who went 3 for 3 from the plate.
This wasn't just about the offense, however, as Tommy Hunter gave Texas it's third straight game with a quality start. While it wasn't a five-hit, complete-game like his first outing of the season, Hunter battled for six innings, giving up three runs (two earned) on five hits. Hunter struck out five batters and didn't allow the Mariners to creep back in to the game.
"When your team gets 17 hits, it makes it a lot easier to pitch," said Hunter, who is now 2-0 on the season.
Once again, Texas did what it was supposed to do: beat a bad team at the Ballpark in Arlington, where they have been so good all season long. After losing the first game 4-2, the Rangers dominated the final three by a total score of 31-6.
Texas takes to the road for a three-game set as Inter-league play begins Friday night. The Rangers travel to Milwaukee to take on the Brewers who are 25-25 this season, 10-17 at home. Milwaukee is 28th in Major League Baseball in ERA at 5.27 runs per game, which is good news for the hot-hitting Rangers' lineup.
Rich Harden (3-2, 5.34 ERA) starts for Texas, while Chris Narveson (4-3, 5.83 - 8 starts) takes the mound for Milwaukee. The game is scheduled for 7:10 p.m., Friday night.
News and Notes:
- In the last two games, Texas scored 10 or more runs back-to-back for the first time this season.
- Texas has three straight quality starts for the first time since May 1 through May 3, two of which were against these same Mariners.
(Portions of this article were taken from The Associated Press)
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