Feeling it C.J. Wilson pitched his best game of the young season last night in a 7-1 win over the California Angels at the Ballpark. In fact, I would bet it was one of his top five starts of his career.
He went 7 innings allowing nine hits, a run, a walk and striking out nine for his second win.
Wilson was spectacularly. He absolutely assaulted the strike zone with every pitch in his arsenal. He changed speeds and seemed confident in every toss. He had an 8:1 groundball/flyball out ratio. That will win you games and that will get him 18 wins if he can do that another 20 times.
If nothing else, it was very Cliff Lee-like. It was said that Lee's presence in the room last year made an impression on Wilson in terms of the mindset on the mound and preparation. It looked it last night.
Wilson's success was another game in which the Rangers' starter went seven innings for the quality start. Rangers starters are 9-2 with a 2.81 ERA, second best in the league (behind Oakland). The starters have also pitched the fifth-most innings in the league 102.1. Naturally, the Rangers relievers have pitched the fewest innings in the league at 37.2. We can complain about the bullpen woes; however, the point is, the bullpen hasn't been worked hard at all. Just, at times, they haven't been that effective.
Most importantly for Wilson, the early numbers show he's got more control. Last year, Wilson led the American League for walks. This season, he's walked eight in 26 innings, averaging out to about two walks per game.
Last year, his K/BB ratio was 1.88. This season, so far, 2.63. If Wilson continues his pace, it's hard to imagine the Rangers not competing.
Notes:
1. Slowly, Adrian Beltre is debunking my assertation that he's a "career-year" guy. Another three-run dinger last night. Average up to .266.
2. Salty two innings of relief from Pedro Strop and Darren O'Day. Combined for 18 pitches in two innings. Threw a total of six walks.
3. The Angels' line-up does little for me. Especially the bottom half.
4. Thank goodness Ian Kinsler got a haircut. Resulted in two hits and two walks. Elvis Andrus also woke up with three hits including a brilliant suicide squeeze.
5. Has Dave Anderson completely lost it?
6. Chris Davis: 0-4, three strikeouts. Yikes. The dude was called up entirely too soon.
7. Mike Young has a 10-game hit streak.
