One sweep deserves another

Seven innings. One earned run. Three walks. Two strikeouts. 112 pitches.

It wasn't perfect, but Vicente Padilla did EXACTLY what the team needed him to do tonight. For his efforts, Padilla was granted his ?? win of the season. After Wednesday's 14-inning exhausting marathon, the bullpen was taxed and the Rangers needed a strong performance from Padilla. They got it.

They also got some better defense. Kinsler made some great plays and Ramon Vazquez had a beautiful snag at short. And how about David Murphy holding Matt Stairs to a VERY LONG single?

Speaking of Murphy, are there any #7 Rangers player tees available yet?

German Duran had a tough assignment in his debut, but I thought he handled it well. He may not have gotten a hit, but he kept at it and never appeared discouraged or frustrated.

It was nice to see Kinsler get back in the hitting groove again too. 3 for 4 after an 0 for 11 drought that probably felt twice as long to him.

Jamey Newberg had a nice observation on C.J. Wilson earlier today.

KISS: I really wanted to give it to Padilla, but David Murphy's THREE DOUBLES won out.

MISS: I suppose I have to give it to Botts for his 0 for 4 performance, which included two Ks.

This was a nice way to start the roadtrip. And I'm starting to think they really do like the road better than Arlington.

P.S. I hope Marlon Byrd and Hank Blalock are better soon.