By Noah Shelton @SheltonOKC
One mistake from Astros’ right-hander Doug Fister, in the form of a Rougned Odor two run bomb to right field, was all that was needed from the Rangers’ batters Wednesday night in Arlington.
Cole Hamels added to his 10 game winning streak and showed his clutch ability to get out of innings with runners in scoring position. The game started off weird for Hamels; he hit the first two batters of the ballgame. Hamels struggled with his control early in the game, but as soon as you thought the Rangers were doomed to give up a few runs, Hamels would find a way to escape. Hamels pitched 6 2/3 innings and allowed 1 run on 5 hits with 7 strikeouts.
“We’ve had some really good team wins and that’s good for us to build off of, especially against the tight teams that are in this division.”
Hamels said postgame.
The only scores of the game were from homeruns: a two run homer from Rougned Odor in the second and a solo homer from the Astros in the sixth. The Rangers had plenty of opportunities to score, but just could not seal the deal with runners in scoring position.
You could call the theme of the game weird. A weird double play situation arose in the top of the 2nd due to bad Astros’ base running during a bases loaded no out mess for the Rangers. Then, an absolutely ridiculous error on a pop-up by Astros’ first baseman Tyler White allowed Prince Fielder to reach first base. Heck, Ian Desmond even recorded his first-ever outfield assist.
Wednesday night’s game was a thrilling pitching duel and the Rangers’ bullpen finally showed reason for the high expectations coming into the season. Relief pitchers Sam Dyson and Jake Diekman sat the Astros down during crucial parts of the game when a run scored could have ended the Rangers’ chances. Shawn Tolleson entered in the ninth with the Rangers up 2-1, and the former Baylor bear earned his fifth save of the season.
The series against the Astros has not disappointed the expectations of the fans. The rivalry between the two teams has been primed for this season. But for now, the Silver Boot belongs to the Rangers.
Sports Interest 