These last two days are exactly why I love baseball. You can have a (really) bad game, and then turn around and have a great game. There's not much time to dwell on the loss before you just have to and get to move on. Love it.
The wind whipped through the ballpark tonight and the hits flew out. At first, it looked like that might not be a good thing. Kevin Millwood, in his second start after coming off the DL, gave up four runs in the first inning. It looked ugly. Especially when the Rangers failed to get on the board in the bottom half of the inning. But Millie went back out there and gutted it out. Beginning with the second inning, Millwood sat down 13 consecutive batters, and the Indians were done scoring for the night.
The Rangers, however, were just getting started. They strung together some timely hits in the bottom of the second and put a three-spot on the board. Milton Bradley singled in Michael Young in the third to tie the game, and then Young singled in Gerald Laird in the sixth to give the Rangers the lead. They never looked back.
That double steal by Kinsler and Young was a thing of beauty. In fact, the Rangers were hot on the basepaths tonight, with three stolen bases. The Indians didn't have any. Guess they could use Kenny Lofton again. Or maybe they were just afraid of Gerald Laird's arm. I would be.
KISS: Milton Bradley. He was 3 for 4 tonight with two RBI and no Ks. He hasn't gotten very much attention this season, conceding that to Josh Hamilton. But Bradley has contributed to this team in a big way. And I'm sure fans don't even know the half of what he brings to this team. Not unless they're hanging out in the clubhouse.
MISS: Josh Hamilton had a rare 0 for 4, RBI-less night. He did get on base once, with a walk. I think Hamilton's allowed a few off-games, however, with all he's already done this season. He'll get back on track soon.
All in all, it was a really fun game to watch. Especially after a great draft day for the organization. I was shocked when I received a text message that said the Rangers had taken college 1B Justin Smoak as their first pick. For all of the draft predictions I'd read, his name had not come up. From what I understand, the Rangers didn't think he'd be available at #11, but there he was, and they snatched him up. Josh Lewin said the kid can be described as the Mark Teixeira starter kit. Woot! Is it too much to hope he's in Clinton next summer so I can go see him play??
The Rays come into town this weekend. Once again, the Rangers get to start the series with the tough Scott Kazmir. Texas counters with Vicente Padilla, fresh of bereavement leave. I hope whatever pulled Padilla from the team has been remedied and he's ready to deal again.
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