Seven hits. That is all the potent Rangers could manage.
David Price went nine innings absolutely dealing against a lineup that got a boost this morning when they heard Nelson Cruz was coming back. They had opportunities to score all night too, but Price never let them get back in the game.
In innings 2,3,6, and 8 the Rangers had men reach 2nd base with one out or less and only managed to score two runs off the left handed Price who finally climbed the hurdle that was the Texas Rangers.
A game changing moment came in the bottom of the 1st inning when it looked like the Rangers were going to put themselves in position to potentially tied up the game.
With arguably the Rangers best hitter, Alex Rios, at bat, David Price threw over to first base on an innocent attempt to keep the Rangers’ Elvis Andrus closer to first base.
That’s when James Loney makes one of the smartest baseball plays of the regular season. (Remember this is not the postseason yet, it was the play-in game for the play-in to get into the NLDS. Are you confused? Cuse’ I’m not. I am all over the scenarios.)
So James Loney sticks his foot out and restricts Andrus from getting back to first base. Elvis looks like a swimmer who can’t go anywhere as he flails his left hand out there after realizing how strong Andrus’ right foot.
Did it ultimately decide the game? Probably not, but it did set the tone. Sorta. It was not momentum, read yesterday’s article.
It was a really good play that told the Rangers that tonight was not going to be easy. (It actually might have been momentum, but after yesterday’s post, I can’t do that to my readers.)
So now the Rays head to Cleveland to face a 23-year-old Danny Salazar and his 10 career starts. My best bet is that Jeremy Helickson will get the ball for the Rays. He has good stuff, but just labored through a tough second half of the season.
Tonight was David Price’s night. There is almost nothing better than watching an ace come through in a win or die game. It is like watching a beautiful art. Thank you Price for giving my Monday a little excitement, because Ryan Tannehill sure didn’t.
Come on Miami, not even a close game?
Before we hype up the Rays anymore and the fact that they match up great with the Red Sox, let’s look to tomorrow night.
The Pittsburgh story is awesome and I would love to see them get a few more playoff games, but the Reds lineup is going to be too overwhelming for Francisco Liriano and Johnny Cueto.
I got the Reds in route. I’m super sorry Pittsburgh, but…
Reds 7 Pirates 3.
Talk to you tomorrow when Liriano pitches a gem and Reds bats go silent.
