The Rangers are now 0 for their last 9 games in Detroit, stretching all the way back to late 2007. I'd like to petition that Texas never play there again. Ever.
I don't even know where to start with my comments on this game. I suppose I'll start in the logical place -- Brandon McCarthy.
McCarthy went seven innings for the second time in his Ranger career, but he didn't exactly sail. Far from it. He needed 45 pitches to get out of the first two innings. In that time, Detroit scored twice on five hits and a walk. There was also an error (Brandon's) and a sac fly in there, but it doesn't really matter. The Tigers scored once more in the 3rd and again in the 7th before McCarthy was done. Amidst all that, he had some fine innings, but the damage was already done.
Texas Rangers bats failed to do any damage of their own. The only Texas hit of the night was a single to right field by Michael Young. Andruw Jones was the only Ranger to reach base twice (both times on walks). The rest of the bats either couldn't find the ball or couldn't find a hole in the Tigers defense. It was hideous.
I knew the first loss after that seven-game winning streak would hurt, but I didn't expect it to be a one-hit shutout. Credit to Dontrelle Willis, I guess, who appears to have bounced back from his own streak -- of bad luck.
KISS: I'll give it to Young and Jones, the only Rangers to run (or trot in Jones' case) to first base.
MISS: Marlon Byrd was 0 for 2 with three left on base. His one K was an ugly one where he chased a ball in the dirt.
Tomorrow -- Matt Harrison (4-2, 4.23 ERA) vs. Justin Verlander (3-2, 4.29 ERA)
Harrison is coming off two complete game wins after a 22-inning scoreless streak. Meanwhile, Verlander has allowed just three runs in his last 29.1 innings. Hopefully it'll play out to be as interesting to watch as it is on paper.
Original Story:
http://myteamrivals.typepad.com/texas...
