Game 7: Rangers vs. Orioles

It's Baltimore at Texas... the Rangers Home Opener.

I will not be in attendance on the Home Opener... I can't say that I have ever, with the one exception of the first game played at the Ballpark in Arlington in 1994. That was the only season or home opener that I have attended. Pretty Cool to be at that game, though.

Anyway, Jason Jennings vs. Brian Burres.

What in the world of baseball in happening? Detroit is 0-6 and Baltimore is 5-1? Baltimore has the best record in the American League and third in the majors? The Rangers have pounded the Angels, not once, but twice?! OK, some of this, I can get used to... especially the Rangers part.

Brian Burres is still "GREEN". He has pitched 130 innings in his career, only one inning this season... his overall ERA? 5.89... a 6-8 record with a total of 17 starts. He's given up 15 homeruns and 67 walks.

And I am convinced that Baltimore is just not as good as their 5-1 start. I am also convinced that Detriot is no where near as bad as their 0-6 start. The Rangers are better than their 3-3 start. How can Millwood start 0-2 and only give up 2 earned runs?

I can get so distracted and off track, even if it is slight. Burres has pitched against Texas just once, it was a 2/3 of an inning, but he gave up 8 runs on 8 hits, one of those was a dinger. He also walked one. The Rangers hit a rediculous .800 against Burres, and Burres' ERA against Texas: 108.00 ERA. NASTY! However, the current roster is 9-16, which is only a .563 batting average. Byrd has a homerun and four RBIs. I really can't say much more, since there really isn't much to say.

Jason Jennings has one start in his career against Baltimore. He threw 7 innings of work and gave up ZERO runs. Here's his problem: He gave up six hits AND five walks. He struck out 7, though, so even though he allowed 11 baserunners, he also kept 7 batters from putting balls in play. And that helps. The current Baltimore roster is 31-112, a .277 batting average. The O's have one homerun and 8 RBIs against Jennings.

Today's Forecast: I just like the Rangers chances of hitting a two-game winning streak today. I mean, does it get any better than the numbers above? Well, the answer is a heave-ho NO. Rangers win their home-opener 5-2. Johnny Out.

Home Plate