Well, the big 6 run third inning is what did it for us last night. We spanked Omar Olivares, who was charged with all 8 earned runs the Rangers got in the second and third innings. 5 singles, a double, and a triple did all the work in the third inning. Was very nice to see.
Again, however, we got our fifth win in a row without a home run. We’re scoring without the longball, and I like that, because I hate relying on the home run for runs. The last couple of nights on the TV, John Rhadigan was talking to the fireworks operator, who sits out in center field right under the big red Coca-Cola sign. They said that he’s been waiting to shoot off fireworks, but it hasn’t happened much – we’ve had only two home runs since the All-Star game, and they both came in in our lone loss of the second half so far.
Aaron Sele pitched OK – he wasn’t dominating at all, but it was enough for the win, his 9th of the season. He did give up two back to back home runs in the 4th, but that was about his worst stretch of pitching. I don’t think he’s going to get to 19 again, but I think 15 is definitely within reach for him by the end of the year. Munoz, Crabtree, & Zimmerman came on to finish up after Sele went 6. Crabtree gave up a couple of singles, but no runs again by the bullpen. Zim earned his second save, as Wetteland is having some back spasms, and is resting.
This win puts the Angels 11.5 games back of the Rangers in last place in the AL West – if we win tomorrow night too, I have a feeling Anaheim might “give up” on this season. Surprisingly the A’s are staying close to us, we’re only 5 games up on them, and have been exactly that for a couple of weeks. The A’s beat the Mariners last night, dropping Seattle to 9 games out. Did get a peek at Safeco Field on ESPN last night – looks REALLY gorgeous. Damn, we won’t get there till next season, and if this rumour about the Rangers going to the NL Central next season I heard two days ago is true, then we won’t see Safeco at all, probably!
I’m headed out to the ballpark tomorrow night, but I won’t be watching the game much. You’ll see what I mean shortly. :)