Monday, August 4, 2008
Texas Rangers 8, Toronto Blue Jays 4
ARLINGTON — The Texas Rangers survived the hottest temperatures of the season --thus far-- Sunday night, defeating the Toronto Blue Jays 8-4 at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. The Rangers took two of three in the series and improved to 58-54.
Photo not provided by the Texas Rangers
The two-day experiment with new pitching and bullpen coaches continues to make strides, as Rangers pitchers started off weakly before getting stronger later in the game. Rangers rookie starter Luis Mendoza gave up three runs in the top of the first, before locking it down and giving Texas seven solid innings and getting credited for the win. Mendoza gave up just four runs, six hits while walking one and striking out two.
Frank Francisco and Eddie Guardado pitched two scoreless final innings, giving up just a single hit and striking out two to close the deal.
Backup catcher Gerald Laird lead the Rangers offense, going 2-for-4 with two home runs and four RBI batting in the #2 spot. Laird was reportedly supposed to be trade-bait last week at the deadline, but was not moved.
Rookie phenom Chris Davis also had a home run, and finished 2-for-4 with a pair of RBI. The Rangers made the most of their men on base, as they managed to score eight runs off of just seven total hits, three of which were home runs.
Posted by Todd M.
