AddMonday July 13, 2009 your
Nelson Cruz Shines In Home Run Derby - BY ERIC LOGAN - Texas Rangers Outfielder Nelson Cruz finished an impressive second in the All-Star Game Home Run Derby held Monday night in Busch Stadium. Cruz got off to a fast start in the first round, hitting 11 home runs. One of the homers measured 471 ft, his longest of the night, and sailed into the last row of the bleachers in left-center. Cruz entered the second round in first place along with the Brewers Prince Fielder. In the second round Cruz continued his solid performance, easily hitting the 5 homers needed to advance to the final round. Cruz and Fielder went head to head in the final round. Cruz went first, and appeared to once again be off to fast start - hitting 3 homers in his first swings. Unfortunately, fatigue set in and Cruz fell short in the final round, hitting 5 homers to Fielder's 6. Cruz told reporters after the contest "It was still an unbelievable experience, competing with these guys," Cruz said. "I thank God. He gave me the chance to be here. I'm happy, and I really enjoyed it. The fans enjoyed it, and it's all for the fans."
Monday June 15, 2009
Hitting Slump, Injuries Taking Their Toll on Rangers - By ERIC LOGAN
While it way too soon for Rangers fans to begin to panic, the last two series against the Blue Jays and the
Dodgers definitely show that the Rangers have entered a rough patch. Chief among their problems are a
string of injuries to key players and a persistent June hitting slump .
The problems began of course with the loss of Josh Hamilton last month after his amazing catch and wall collision in a game against the Angels on May 17th. While the Rangers have shown a remarkable ability to win games without Hamilton in the lineup, his loss may be beginning to take its toll on the Rangers offense.The Rangers scored 65 runs the first 12 games of May with Hamilton in the lineup -compared to just 39 runs the first 12 games of June. On top of that, the Rangers batting average for June is down to .223 - on pace to match the franchise's lowest June average since 1967 of .218, when the Rangers were still the Washington Senators. While some of the lower output can be blamed on a tough June schedule, its hard to imagine that Hamilton’s loss isn't also factoring into the hitting slump.
Just as troubling for the Rangers have been the injuries of starting pitchers Matt Harrison, Brandon McCarthy, and closer Frank Francisco. McCarthy, who will be out several more weeks with a shoulder stress fracture, was quickly becoming a major asset to the Rangers with his 5-2 record and 4.92 ERA. Harrison, while not as impressive, was pitching solidly with a 4-4 record and 5.43 ERA. Francisco, meanwhile has been a perfect 12 for 12 in save opportunities with a 0.46 ERA.
The loss of the two starters forced the emergency start of Triple-A pitcher Doug Mathis, and forced the
Rangers to once again move rookie Derek Holland back into a starting role. The results were two disastrous pitching starts and losses over the past week against the Blue Jays and the Dodgers. Mathis allowed 5 runs
over 5 innings in a 0-9 route by the Blue jay June 9th. Holland, meanwhile allowed 4 runs in 5 innings in
the Rangers 3-6 loss to the Dodgers on June 14th.Unfortunately the Rangers injury woes may continue for a several more weeks. While Harrison is due back this week to pitch against the Astros, Hamilton and McCarthy may both be out until after the All Star break. However there is a ray of hope for the Rangers - the next month offers an easier schedule with several
series against sub .500 teams such as Arizona, Houston, and Seattle.
Sunday June 14, 2009Texas Rangers, Baseball, news, videos, scores, Josh Hamilton, Ballpark, Arlington, Major League, MLB, Ian Kinsler, Michael Young
The Lights Go Out on the Rangers as Dodgers Win 3-1 - by ERIC LOGAN
The Texas Rangers experienced a power outage in more ways than one against the L.A. Dodgers at the Rangers Ballpark Saturday night. The Rangers Scott Feldman and the Dodgers Randy Wolf both pitched brilliantly through the first five innings of play with Feldman only allowing 3 hits. The game remained scoreless until a malfunctioning bank of lights caused a 1 hour and 45 minute delay of game. Unfortunately for Feldman (and the Rangers), the delay was too long for him to allow Feldman to resume and Ron Washington brought in Eddie Guardado who quickly gave up a run to the Dodgers Juan Pierre in the 6th. The Rangers answered back in the bottom of the 6th with a tying homer by Andruw Jones off of Dodgers pitcher Cory Wade. But shaky play by the Rangers pitcher Jason Grilli in the 7th allowed the Dodgers a walk and a 2-run homer on the bat of Matt Kemp. Solid relief pitching by the Dodgers and a lack of Ranger offense in the final innings sealed the Rangers fate and they went on to lose 1-3. The Rangers have now lost 7 of their last 12 games.
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