This was a nice win on all factors. I was out at the Temple last night for the game, and it just felt good coming in. You know, that feeling you get when you go to a game, and you’re just having a good time? I had that feeling. This was the first game I went to with my wife in almost a month (as she was out of town for a few weeks). That alone makes me feel good. The Rangers came out, and for some reason, just looked like a team that wanted to win, not a team that was “OH crap, how are we going to win?” which was the vibe I’d seen the last couple of weeks.
Kenny Rogers came out, and wasn’t totally dominating in the first two innings, but after that, owned the game. He had about 40 or so pitches the first two innings, but then figured it out, and retired 13 straight batters before walking the leadoff guy in the 9th, then giving up a double, and coming out of the game in the 9th to a standing ovation. He looked great, and pitched an awesome game, going 8+ innings, 5 hits, and 2 runs. A great performance. John Wetteland came in, and retired all the batters he faced (although one was a sac fly). He too looked good (although not dominating). This performance dropped Kenny Rogers’ ERA to under 4. These days an ERA that starts with 3 means you’re a $10 million pitcher. :D
Gabe Kapler continues to make up for lost time after being on the DL. He went 2 for 4 again, with his fourth home run of the season. All four of his home runs have come at home, with the first three being all in April. I’ve been there for all four of them with my wife. Pudge had an off night for him, going only 1 for 4. Mike Lamb was 2 for 3. Everyone had at least one hit, which is nice to see. I like evenly spread stuff like that.
Again, I had a great time at the game last night – was nice to be back out at the Temple. The only thing I don’t like about the place is that it’s 38 miles away from where I live in Garland.