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.

7 consecutive, Matt Harrison, and My Future Commission

The Texas Rangers have won 7 straight games. They are now 10-2 against the division. They have yet to lose to either the Los Angeles Angels of Aneheim, or the Seattle Mariners. Clutch hits, and comeback wins have been a delightful feature. After back to back walkoff wins against Seattle, we had a thrilling sweep of the Angels, in 3 close games. Our biggest problem within the division at this point is last place Oakland, who we are 2-2 against. I'm quite sure we will get to them next time we play with our potent offense against their inexperienced pitching staff.

We've had a team ERA of 3.10 in the month of May. That's the best in the Major Leagues. I feel this has been due to Matt Harrison. He is leading the Rangers in all the pitching triple crown catagories in May, with a 0.78 ERA, 3 wins, and 15 strikeouts, in 23 innings. The 23 year old had Taylor Teagarden, rather than Jarrod Saltalamacchia, catching his last start in April. Harrison had failed to win a game with Salty behind the plate. After getting off to his usual rocky start, giving up 4 runs in 2 innings, Teagarden came out to the mound, and told him to relax. After which Harrison threw 5 shutout innings, holding down the Baltimore Orioles, as Texas rallied to get him his first win. Since then he won each of his starts, going all 9 innings in his last 2. Also pitching well so far in May are the setup men Darren O'Day, and C.J. Wilson, who are sharing the closer role with San Frankie on the DL, they have combined for 3 saves, 1.20 ERA, and 12 strikeouts, in 15 innings. I am also pleased the we have both lefties and righties for any pitching role. Derek Holland (L) or Jason Jennings (R) for long relief, Eddie Guardado (L) or Kris Benson (R) for mid relief, O'Day or Wilson for closing and setup, and Warner Madrigal (R) can pitch in just about any situation.

Ok today I set up a new MLB division layout. One day when I'm commisioning baseball these will be the Divisions.

AL East
New York Yankees
Philadelphia Phillies
Boston Red Sox
Tampa Bay Rays
Baltimore Orioles
Expansion team in Charlotte

NL East
New York Mets
Pittsburgh Pirates
Toronto Blue Jays
Florida Marlins
Washington Nationals
Atlanta Braves

AL Central
Detroit Tigers
Cleveland Indians
Kansas City Royals
Minneasota Twins
Chicago White Sox
Expansion team in Memphis

NL Central
Expansion team in Indianapolis
Cincinnati Reds
Saint Louis Cardinals
Milwaukee Brewers
Chicago Cubs
Expansion team in New Orleans

AL West
Texas Rangers
Expansion team in San Antonio
Seattle Mariners
San Diego Padres
Oakland Athletics
Los Angeles Angels of Aneheim

NL West
Colorado Rockies
Houston Astros
Expansion team in Portland
Arizona Diamondbacks
San Francisco Giants
Los Angeles Dodgers

The playoff system has 20 teams. The 12 1st and 2nd place teams gets a bye round, while 3rd Place teams and the 4th place Wild Card from each division play. The winners of that round go on to face the top seeded teams outside their own division. After that it's just like how the playoffs are setup now.

Tonight Texas will face the struggling Dontrelle Willis on the hill in Detroit for the Tigers. Michael Wilbon on PTI (yes I watch PTI) said that Texas would lose and tonight will be the night things change for Willis. I'm gonna wait and see how it turns out, and hopefully Willis is struggling with his mechanics tonight. My pick for player of the game is Brandon McCarthy, if he can go deep into the game, and the offense can get to Willis we should have no problem.