Progress, Records, Stealing The Show, Kinsler vs. Bourn, and Ohh the Irony

Unlike most posts, this blog has everything to do with tonight's game, and nothing to do with anything else.

Matt Harrison fresh off the DL got the call to start for the Rangers Wednesday night against Russ Ortiz starting for Houston. Harrison didn't exhibit the same stuff that he threw in his 2 consecutive complete games in mid May. He tossed an inefficient game, but had great support defensively and adequate support offensively to put him on the hook for the win, throwing 90+ pitches through 5 innings. The sophomore lefty gave up at least one hit 4 of 5 innings, including 2 doubles and a homerun. Michael Young and Chris Davis both had great plays to keep the damage minimized to 3 runs over Matt's 5 innings.

Ivan Rodriguez caught a Major League Baseball game for the 2,227th time in his career Wednesday. That broke the all time record for the stat. Pudge went 1-for-5 with a single. Ron Washington decided to put as much history into the game as possible by starting Omar Vizquel at shortstop. Vizquel needed one hit to tie Luis Aparicio for most hits by a Venezuelan native in Major League Baseball. Vizquel singles in the bottom of the 5th to tie Aparicio. He wouldn't break the record in the 7th, and with Andruw Jones pinch hitting his chance was passed up in the ninth.

What with it being Pudge's big day, some Rangers thought it a good time to prove themselves in front of the former face of the team. With a leadoff double in the first inning Ian Kinsler pulled off a daring move against the 13 time gold glover. He stole third and ran home off a rare throwing error by Pudge. Kinsler would go on to steal another base off him later in the game. Vizquel would also steal a base proving he hasn't slowed any with his age. Jarrod Saltalamacchia would also be tested behind the plate by Michael Bourn. Salty would be able to catch him once of twice. Salty would also homer in the game.

The leadoff hitters for Texas and Houston had big factors in Wednesday's game. Kinsler and Bourn both got on base twice and were able to score for their team early due to very aggresive baserunning. They both set up their teams with the bunt, both for sacrifice and for hits. The two played the game you want to see from your leadoff hitter.

And finally here's what you've all been waiting for, the conclusion of Wednesday night's epic game. The Rangers were leading 4-3 in the top of the 8th when the Arlington born and raised Hunter Pence homered for the Astros. The former Ranger fan's solo shot would tie up the game at 4. Marlon Byrd lead off the 9th inning with a double setting up the bottom of the order for a walk-off win. Chris Davis would fly out to shallow center and Salty and Andruw both struck out swinging. After 2 quick outs in the top of the 10th vintage Wild Thang refused to let Houston go quietly, as Pence doubled for Pudge. C.J. would fall behind 3-1 but battle back and strike him out on a curve ball low. Texas would load up the bases with nobody out for Nelson Cruz. Cruz would fly out to Michael Bourn shallow enough to hold Kinsler at 3rd. The next batter was Houston native, former Astros fan, and all around opposite of Hunter Pence. Murphy would slap a hit to left field to score Kins and walk-off in the 10th to win it for Texas.