Well, must say I’m glad I didn’t rush home to see this one 😦
ON THE MOUND
After a rough first start to the season in Oakland, Joe turned things around in his last two starts at home vs. the “Texas two-step” (the Astros and Rangers) when, in 13.1 innings, he allowed only NINE hits, THREE walks and ZERO earned runs. Ah, but things are different in Arlington, where he gave up those same NINE hits and THREE walks but in 4.2 innings and, oh yeah, SEVEN earned runs.
Saunders can’t get out of the 5th | Ronald Martinez, Getty Images
But wait! Here’s the pleasant surprise . . .
Hector, who was recently recalled from AA Jackson to replace DJ Mitchell in AAA Tacoma (who was DFA’d and then elected FA) and then a couple of days later, switched places with Bobby LaFromboise, pitched great! With the way his spring went, his performance was about the last thing most would have expected: Hector gave up a double to the first batter he faced that allowed an inherited runner to score but then, he basically mowed down the Rangers ~ TEN in-a-row ~ good on ya, Hector!
AT THE PLATE
* only FIVE hits, only ONE for extra bases (that would be “Mr. Double” aka: Kyle who has FOURTEEN hits so far this season, NINE of which are doubles, which leads the majors)
* Justin (who DH’d tonight) continued his ‘mini-hitting streak’ ~ now at SIX
* but yes, this was the THIRD game in-a-row that the M’s hitters recorded double-digit strikouts
* to add insult to injury, Brendan came up to pinch hit in the 9th and grounded into a double play to end the game
IN THE FIELD
move along, nothing to see here . . .
Andino with an error, NO DP’s
(the Rangers also committed an error but, they also turned two TWICE)
tweet of the game . . .
Compass Rosy 