Napoli Sparks Rangers Offense, Feliz Gets Four-out Save

In 2010, Colby Lewis dominated in the postseason.  I hoped the same Colby would show up today in Tampa, and by all accounts, he did. 

Except for a 89mph fastball that Desmond Jennings took deep in the 4th, Lewis had control of the Rays.  He went six innings, striking out six and walking two.  Jennings' solo HR was the only hit Lewis allowed. 

Meanwhile, the Texas Rangers started hitting David Price early.  The 4th and 5th innings were the only ones without a Ranger hit.  Despite getting some solid hits and making good contact, the Rangers didn't get on the board until the 7th.  But they made a loud noise when they did.  Adrian Beltre singled and then advanced to second on a wild pitch.  Mike Napoli brought him home with a shot into the left field seats.  It looked like Texas might be done scoring when the next two batters grounded out, but then Craig Gentry walked and stole second and Ian Kinsler and Elvis Andrus walked.  Josh Hamilton singled to push Gentry and Kinsler home.  The inning ended when Andrus was caught trying to steal home.  It wasn't a terrible decision even though it wasn't exactly successful.

The Rays weren't done fighting back though.  They got another run in the 7th after Darren Oliver loaded the bases with one out and Alexi Ogando had to let a run cross to get an out at first.  Mike Adams served up Jennings' second home run of the day in the 8th, and then walked B.J. Upton.  Upton was erased when he was caught trying to steal second, but then Adams walked two more batters. I don't know why Ron Washington even left him out there that long, but he finally pulled him.  Mike Gonzalez threw three pitches to strike out Johnny Damon before Neftali Feliz took over for the final four outs.  There was a little drama, but no harm done (except to the hearts and stomachs of Rangers fans).

 

KISS:  Napoli.  That home run was sexy.  He also had another hit and a walk, and he stole a base.

MISS:  Darren Oliver and Mike Adams.  Their innings of "work" made my blood boil.  Oliver gave up three singles.  Adams gave up a home run and three walks.  Ugh.

 

FINAL SCORE

Rangers :: 4 R, 9 H, 7 TLOB

Rays :: 3 R, 6 H, 6 TLOB

 

Rangers now lead the series 2-1.

 

Tuesday's match-up

@ TB, 1:05 p.m. CST

Matt Harrison (14-9, 3.39 ERA) vs. Jeremy Hellickson (13-10, 2.95 ERA)