Game 49: Texas at Twins

Sidney Ponson going 9 on only 110 pitches. It's always nice to let the bullpen have a rest. And with the Rangers snagging the record of most consecutive games in a row without a complete game, the Rangers have knocked down three long distance rides since taking the record. If I am not mistaken, Millwood and Padilla have the other two.

And speaking of Padilla, he's on the hill this afternoon against Livan Hernandez. Livan seems to change teams quicker than most people can change their underwear. And oddly enouogh, I couldn't find a good headshot of him in his current uniform. So, you get that picture above.

Padilla looks to win his fifth straight decision for the first time in his career Thursday when the Rangers close out a four-game series at the Metrodome against the Minnesota Twins.

Hernandez and Padilla both have a 6-2 record coming into today's game. Hernandez got HAMMERED in his previous start against the Rangers, taking the first of his two loses. He also lost a game in his last start to the Rockies. Hernandez has gone six innings or more in all but his start against the Rangers. He has a 3.88 ERA this season and a career 8.75 ERA against the Rangers. Despite the high ERA, he is still 3-1 in four starts. The Rangers hold a .353 batting average on Livan. Based on numbers, the Rangers roster doesn't hit well, even despite the romping handed out last time. As a team, the Rangers are 23-97 making up a .237 batting average.

Players to Watch for:

• Marlon Byrd: 7-18 (389 BA); 1 double
• Michael Young: 2-6 (333 BA); 1 RBI

I've got to tell you... I do not know where the numbers came from on that 10-0 trounce earlier this season. It's a bit strange to be looking at these numbers and the game earlier and it doesn't add up to well.

Padilla. In 10 starts he has 4 beanballs this season. What that means is he is already one short entering today's game. Could he be saving up to use two or three in a game later? Maybe. Or maybe he's just in a good mood. Padilla has better numbers on the surface than Hernandez. His 3.18 ERA and his four wins over his last five starts show that he is solid and consistent (he has one no-decision in there). Over his ten starts this year, the Rangers are 8-2 and seven have been for 6 innings or more. He averages 6.22 innings per start. And he was opposite Hernandez on the 10-0 Ranger win. Padilla also got his complete game that day. Padilla is a career 2-2 against the Twins, whom he has some walk trouble (12 walks in 25.2 innings). He has a career 2.81 ERA and Minnesota bats .200 against Padilla. The current roster is batting .259 with 2 HRs and 16 RBIs.

Players to Look Out for:

• Mike Lamb: 4-13 (308 BA); 1 HR and 4 RBIs
• Adam Everett: 4-12 (333 BA); 3 RBIs
• Brendan Harris: 4-5 (800 BA); 1 RBI (BEANBALL CANDIDATE)
• Delmon Young: 3-7 (429 BA); 3 RBIs

If Harris is in the lineup, consider him hit. Seriously, 4 out of 5? Hit. Maybe Young if Harris is out.

Forecast: What trend to go with? It is the same matchup from back on April 27th. The Rangers need to win this game to earn a split on the series, the first time they haven't won a series since Being swept in Detroit (April 22-24). I still like the Rangers chances. I think it is wise to take the better pitcher in this case, simply because Padilla has taken this team and is carrying it on his shoulders right now. Rangers win it 7-4.

Home Plate