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This was a game I attended. As it was September 11th, there was a big military salute at the start of the game. It was a nice ceremony, but I wonder why Buck Showalter gave his jacket to one of the vets – I wonder if Buck knew that kid.
Anyway, the game had a bit of everything. Power, defense, plenty of offense, and a really nice comeback win for the Rangers. I felt bad for Kenny Rogers, as he should have had his 17th win of the season. He’s got 4 starts left, and he has to go 4-0 to get to 20, which I’m sure everyone was hoping he would. Either way, I feel barring a meltdown, he’ll break his previous record of 17 wins (in 1995).
I’m not writing much about the game, as there wasn’t a lot to say for me beyond it was nice weather, the Rangers won, and the lead flipflopped about half a dozen different times it seemed.
It was nice to see the offense get in gear, as we’re about to hit the most important part of the season, if we still want to get to the post season. I just hope it all doesn’t get lost since we’ll be batting first the next seven games.

Well, I’m back. I’ve spent most of the last week sick. In fact, I’m still not right today, but it’s the best I’ve felt in a week. I just didn’t have the energy to do any of that. Additionally, I’ve kind of burnt out on scoring the games. The only ones I’m going to score for the rest of the season are games I’m going to.
For this particular game, it looked like Ryan Drese was pitching like he did earlier in the season, not the last 3 or so outings of his. He was pretty strong, and went seven innings, gave up just one run (a home run to Carlos Delgado), and striking out seven with one walk. The Eraser and Jeff Nelson followed up with an inning each, both giving up one earned run.
Miguel Batista was not the pitcher we saw in Toronto where he just shut us down. He gave up 10 hits in 3.1 innings of work, 7 runs, and had 3 wild pitches. It helped us get out to the win, which we needed, especially as Oakland lost.
Offensively, we were led by Kevin Mench who is swinging the bat VERY well now. Kevin had two solo home runs in this game (that gives him 5 in his last 5 games), All told, Kevin went 3 for 4 with 2 RBI and 3 runs scored. A great night for him. He was backed up by Teixeira who had a two run bomb of his own into the upper deck in right. Barajas was also 3 for 4, it was just a nice night for the offense with a total of 17 hits.
I’m sure like most people after the White Sox series, you were feeling pretty gloomy, like “this is it”. The best case scenario is that we come out of the Toronto series two games back of Oakland (or Anaheim, as they might pass Oakland if the A’s keep losing). However, that’s best case scenario. I think we’ll come out of it 4 back, which is manageable, but still a tough assignment going to Oakland and Anaheim. We can still do it, but it’s not looking good for the home 11 right now.

I didn’t see or hear most of this game, as I was first grocery shopping, then spending some time with my wife who wasn’t feeling well. Listened to the end of it where I found more enjoyment in watching the Yankees get annihilated over on another channel, anyway. ;) Besides, Torii Hunter was busy destroying us.
I’m not ready to proclaim us done yet, but a feeling of dread is starting to creep in. We can either do good against the AL West in September, or get buried. Either way, I never expected us to even be here at this point. This season is a success no matter what happens from here on out.
Also, I’ve kind of slowed down on scoring the games. It was starting to burn me out, so I’m only going to be posting scorecards from games that I actually am at and score from this point out.

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Sorry for the lack of updates the last few days, been horribly busy at work, I didn’t even have time to put a page together, and I just figured I’ve give myself a mini break as we head down the stretch.
We got a little bit of revenge last night against the Orioles, as we beat ’em 6-4. Surpisingly, we got another decent starting pitching performance from someone you weren’t expecting it from – John Wasdin. Wasdin went six innings, giving up 2 runs on four hits, striking out four and walking two. A really nice performance. Our pen was it’s usual good self, except for Carlos Almanzar, who had a bit of a rough time out there (0.2IP, 3H, 2ER, 1BB). But, we got the job done.
Speaking of the pen, Francisco Cordero got his 40th save last night (in 42 chances). It was his 20th consecutive save in 20 chances, which beats the streak he had going earlier in the season. A most pleasant surprise there. I don’t think anyone doubted his ability, but I think most everyone thought he wouldn’t be this good for another year or so.
Offensively, we were led by Eric Young. Eric went only 2 for 2 officially, but he also walked twice, had a stolen base, two RBI, and was everything your leadoff guy wants. I’m not ready to proclaim him our leadoff guy, but he usually does good there, and he did get the job done tonight.
As usual, the other teams around us in the playoff hunt won again, so we’re not making up any ground. Was also interesting to see Steve Busby back in the TV booth tonight. I just wish he could be the backup instead of Bill Land. Bill’s a bit too boring for my tastes.