Kason Gabbard and Jarrod Saltalamacchia have a few things in common. They attended the same high school and played on a team together. They were both traded to Texas on the same day. Tonight, however, their differences were more apparent than their similarties. Gabbard couldn't get ahead of the Indians batters and Saltalamacchia had a field day with Cleveland pitching.
Gabbard got behind hitters early and only lasted three innings. In his short outing, he gave up six runs, all earned, on six walks and four hits. His teammates had spotted him a four-run lead in the first and then, with the help of his battery-mate, spotted him seven more in the 3rd. But Kason just couldn't take advantage of it.
Saltalmacchia, on the other hand, had a terrific night at the plate. The young catcher went 2 for 4 with a double, a grand slam (I'm almost certain Jon wet himself when this happened) and a walk. This was a much-needed good outing for Salty, who has been slumping whil his platoon-mate, Gerald Laird has been red hot.
Kam Loe had to take over in the 3rd with an 11-6 lead. He looked strong at first, but things unraveled in the bottom of the sixth. The damage could have been much worse, however, as the Rangers lucked out on a sketchy call on a Ben Francisco ground-rule double (replays show it should have been ruled a home run, which would have chased in three runs). He exited after just 2.2 innings, surrendering one run on four hits and ended up with the win. Frank Francisco came in and got roughed up a bit too, lasting just one-plus inning and giving up two runs in that time on no hits and two walks. Everyday Eddie and Jamey Wright salvaged the Rangers win with 2.2 scoreless innings. Guardado allowed one hit in his two-thirds of an inning, and Wright kept the Indians of the base paths for two innings with no hits and three Ks.
KISS: As terrific as Salty was, I'm sorry, but I gotta give tonight's honor to David Murphy. The Rangers rookie was 3 for 6 with three runs scored and three RBI as he extended his hitting streak to 10 games. His batting average is now .297, and he's closing in on Mark Teixeira's record for most doubles by a Rangers rookie. (Tex had 29, Murphy already has 19. I'm guessing Murph will end the season with 40 because when the weather heats up, some of those doubles will turn into HRs.) I'm absolutely enamored with Murphy right now, and thanks to the Snake Pit, a Murphy player tee is currently en route to me (it actually arrived in Des Moines this evening and will be in my hands on Tuesday).
MISS: Gabbard. He just couldn't seem to throw strikes, and you can't win games without those.
Turns out I saw two VERY different games tonight. A minor league pitchers duel and a major league slugfest. I was obviously more satisfied with the latter, but the former was pretty fun to watch too. Despite the loss, I really liked seeing what Murray was throwing out there. And live baseball is just better than broadcast baseball anytime.
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Murphy is a wonderful player to watch on an everyday basis. I feel blessed to be able to catch all the games at home as a season ticket holder. Murphy is just as pleasant in person. You would really like this kid.
The Rangers have a good solid core of players both in the Majors and in the Minors. This year will be more special than most have expected. Next year will be even more special. The Rangers now have a bright future. With a promising future and a stable of good young talent, the Rangers may finally be able to lasso the premium pitching we've always desired. If we don't manage to produce it ourselves with the youngsters we have already.
Go Rangers!
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