Nelson Cruz, Jeff Baker and David Muprhy all hit very impressive home runs last night in the Rangers 4-2 victory over the Houston Astros. The Rangers were supposed to be all about small ball in 2013, but so far it has been to home run ball that has taken the Rangers to victory more often than not.
The Rangers also need to change the way they approach hitting, pitching and fielding in the first inning of games. They have been outscored, out pitched and out defensed by a whole lot in the first inning of games this season. The good news is that after that they have dominated on the pitching and fielding part of the game. They still need a lot of work with runners in scoring position.
The simple fact is, ugly or pretty, a win is a win. And the Rangers for the win over the Astros last night. A win the Rangers should get, and should get easily. Today is Yu Darvish, and we all know what that usually means. Yu has began the season 5-1 for a reason. He has become the undisputed ace of this staff and is quickly being recognized as one of the premier pitchers in all of baseball. Oh, and last time he faced the Astros he was one batter away from a perfect game. In Houston.
The Rangers may be in first place, but until their production at the plate in non-solo home-run situations gets better, I will continue to be nervous about this team. But I won’t be nervous tonight. Two runs should get the job done tonight.
