Rangers Manage A Win

Ron Washington finally did what I pray for him to do every night. He brought in closing pitcher, C.J. Wilson. Wilson came in at the bottom of the ninth with a very tight score; his team ahead by only one. The score was 2-1 and he had a save opportunity.

Before we talk about the end though, it might help to describe how they got there. The Rangers first went on the board in the second inning, going up 1-0 when Taylor Teagarden got a double to drive home Marlon Byrd. In the third, Ian Kinsler had singled off of pitcher Dan Haren. He then stole second base, not a surprise, which ended up benefitting his team. David Murphy got an RBI single, sending Kinsler to home which later on became the deciding run of the game.

Arizona's only run was scored by Miguel Montero in the bottom of the fifth. Their pitcher, Haren, pitched seven innings as did Vicente Padilla for the Rangers. Haren gave up four hits, two runs, but also struck out eight. Padilla, through seven innings, let up six hits, one run, and only struck out three.

For the eighth, Texas brought in Frank Francisco, who pitched one inning. He gave up one hit and struck out one. More exciting though, was the save by Wilson. He was brought out for the ninth with the score still 2-1. If he got three outs, Texas would win their first game in the last five. In that one inning, he let up no hits or runs, didn't walk any, and struck out one. He saved the game and the Rangers have now split the series at one with Arizona. Wilson has now saved seven games in eight opportunities.

Texas faces off against Arizona again tonight, looking to take the series.