I love doubleheaders. Anyone who knows me, knows I love doubleheaders. I know why they’re not scheduled anymore (teams want extra gate $). But I always attend them when they happen. I don’t like the 4PM start, because I have to leave uber early from work, which can create problems for me. But anyway, I was there for the start of the doubleheader. And it was great! Game 2:
If you were a Jason Kendall fan, you loved the doubleheader, as Kendall went 7 for 8 in both games, scored a few runs, basically had an offensively great day. Too bad it was all wasted, though.
Kenny Rogers got off to a bad start in this one, giving up a two run home run in the first inning. He wasn’t super crisp, as he gave up 4 runs on 9 hits in his 7IP. But he pitched well enough – and made three really great defensive plays in the field – showing why he owns a Gold Glove for that position. Kenny is now 9-2 with an ERA of 3.76. It’s starting to look like he’ll get picked for the All-Star game, which is nice. Makes me wonder if they wouldn’t consider starting Kenny in Houston. Kenny Rogers vs. Roger Clemens to start the All-Star game. Now that would be interesting.
Offensively, we had a few big groupings of runs, with two four spots and two single run innings. The first one came on a throwing error by Ruben Mateo in the third, which was followed by an absolute bomb to right field by Teixeira – a three run blast. Tex’s HR cleared the seats in right field right down the line – and went into the concourse – a most impressive blast. As cool as that was, it didn’t compare to the blast by Brad Fullmer in the bottom of the fifth that scored Young, Blalock, & Soriano – a grand slam. It was the first slam in a Rangers game this year – by either team.
After the slam, we were up 9-3. Both teams added on one more run later, but it was inconsequential. It seemed the game was over after the grand slam.