Good to see Tiny E awake on defense I feel bad for the Baltimore Orioles. Much like the Rangers a few weeks ago against the New York Mets, I think they ran into a team that just couldn't be stopped.
The Texas Rangers did it again. They ran the Orioles out of the Ballpark 13-5 last night putting on a hitting clinic.
For the series:
30 runs - 46 hits - 15 doubles.
I think the most extraordinary thing were the home runs. There were three. The Rangers scored 10 runs per game in a three-game set and they hit a meager three home runs. All of this reinforces my ascertion that the double is the most lethal hit in the game. Doubles turn ordinary innings into huge innings. Doubles strung together with a walk, a couple of singles and an error make it 0-0 to 4-0 in a hurry.
For instance, last night. The Rangers' first inning featured two doubles, two walks, a single and sac fly to put Alexi Ogando up 4-0 before the Orioles could catch their breath. It had to be ripping Orioles' fans apart inside. There was nothing they could do.
Thirty runs. Three home runs. That is remarkable.
Also astounding is how everyone was locked in this series. Nine different Rangers hit doubles. Six guys last night had multi-hit games (Michael Young, Adrian Beltre, Elvis Andrus, Ian Kinsler, Mitch Moreland, Endy Chavez). Pinch hitters went 2-3 last night.
Again, nothing Baltimore could do other than try to get those 27 outs at some point.
The Rangers are 4-2 in July and 9-6 in this home-heavy stretch before the All-Star break.
Notes:
1. Until I'm blue in the face, I'll apologize for all the mean things I said about Adrian Beltre. He now has 24 doubles and a jaw-dropping 67 RBI. No one's changed my opinion of them faster than Beltre.
2. Alexi Ogando put together his second straight fine start. Of course, now the spotlight is on Derek Holland. Before allowing two dingers last night, Ogando had allowed three home runs in his last 10 starts. He's officially at 104.2 innings pitched.
3. Ogando with Napoli catching: 37 IP - 21 hits - 8 ERs - 3 HRs - 9 BBs - 28 K.
4. Elvis Andrus got on base five times last night. A pair of doubles. If he's right at the plate, watch out.
5. Mike Young has three straight three-hit games. You can not convince me that moving him to designated hitter wasn't the best move.
6. Welcome back, Mike Napoli.
7. Loved what Darren O'Day was bringing in relief. Just think, right now he's not in the eighth inning save-situation picture.
8. Ian Kinsler has five multi-hit games in last 10. Included are seven extra-base hits.
9. It's fun to win.
