Well before I start blogging perhaps I should establish what the Lone Star Series, is the interleague season series between the Astros, and the Rangers. They have two 3-game series each year. The winner of more games wins a size 15 Cowboy Boot lined with silver.* If they tie then the team with the most runs recieves the boot. Some as well say if they score the same amount of runs, then the boot goes to the team whose wives won the softball game they've established, but as that's never happened I can't confirm it.
Today was the Lone Star Series opener, the starters were rookies Derek Holland making his first career start and Felipe Paulino. After 2 innings there was no score. To start the 3rd inning Elvis Andrus got his first of 3 hits including a homerun. I still expect him to be a big factor in this series. Other pleasent stars in the game include Cruz who seems to be getting hot. He had the decisive RBI. Not to mention Michael Young bounced back from the disappointing finale in Detroit, with 3 hits. Holland threw 51 pitches over 5 stunning innings, but he left the game after giving up a 3 run homerun to Lance Berkman in the 6th. Jason Jennings his replacement on the mound got the out that Holland was unable too. In the seventh inning Jennings gave up a double, walk, and an RBI single, after getting the first out. After which Jennings struck out former Ranger great Pudge Rodriguez. Then Wash put in C.J. Wilson, who would give up the tying run, charged to Jennings. It stayed 5-5 through 9 innings. In the top 10th with one out Nelson Cruz homered with the bases empty to make it 6-5. In the bottom of the inning coming off the DL was Frankie Francisco, coming into the game he was 9/9 in save situations and no ERA. To start off the inning he struck out Michael Bourn who had 3 hits in the game. He after a ground out and a single by Berkman, would strike out Jason Michaels looking, on a very close pitch, to end the game.
In his return Josh Hamilton was 1-for-5 with a fielder's choice. Last year Hamilton was hurt for part of the series at Houston, but Max Ramirez hit his first career homerun. Today he returns at the Astros and Holland pitched his first career start. Just a coincedence I decided to point out. San Frankie picked up right where he left off, I think the rest was good for him, and he'll stay sharp a good long while. Peter Gammons called him one of the greatest unsung closers around. I might argue that, as closers generally are unsung. Not to downplay Frankie's element of suprise, but my guess is the same number of random fans know about him as Heath Bell (San Diego, 12/12 in save opportunities, and 0.49 ERA), Chad Qualls (Arizona, 10/11 in svo, 2.50 ERA), or George Sherrill (Baltimore, 8/10 in svo, 3.06 ERA).
Ok I love National League style ball. The double switch is awesome, the pitcher batting brings bunts into the game more often. I'm a big fan of the bunt. And they both give the players off the bench a better oppurtunity to get into the game. I saw every position player from Houston, and most from Texas get a shot in the game today. I like the DH, but with the pitcher in the order it brings so many more options into managing a game.
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