The Rangers are now in third place in the AL West. And they have clinched a sub-500 season. I think it is time to repay the favor. It would be quite nice, since I will be in the stands for this one.
Scouting Report:A's: Acquired in the July trade that sent Joe Blanton to the Phillies, Outman had a sloppy outing on Thursday at home against the Angels, allowing three runs on six hits and three walks while throwing 93 pitches in 4 1/3 innings. A rookie who throws up to 95 mph, Outman was making his second big league start against the Angels, who took a patient approach that paid off. In his first career start, Outman, who opened the year with Philadelphia's Double-A affiliate, beat the Rangers at home, allowing one run on four hits in five innings.
Rangers: After a perfect first inning, Nippert quickly fell apart in his last outing. He let the first two hitters reach base in the second inning to put him in the stretch. He said he felt a little uncomfortable in the stretch and once he began to struggle, he started thinking about his mechanics too much and his start continued on a downward path. His discomfort showed, lasting only 4 1/3 innings and allowing five runs on six hits and four walks. Against Oakland this season, he's 1-0 with a 1.00 ERA and 10 strikeouts to six walks.
I'm not going to add too much to that. But I will break down a few more things...
The four Ranger hits went to: Hamilton, Byrd, Laird (who got a double), and Nelson Cruz (a double and a RBI). Blalock and Cruz both had a walk.
The A's are 8-35 against Nippert with 2 doubles and a RBI. Kurt Suzuki is 3-4 and Rob Bowen is the only player to have a RBI on Nippert.
I guess I should have had this card for yesterday's game. He'll have one more chance to get his ERA under the 5 mark as he pitches the final Ranger game of the season in Anaheim.
It would appear that Mack doesn't care too much for bunting...
Forecast: Outman looked like he owned the Rangers in his only start against them. Nippert's numbers look pretty great, too. But the Rangers have lost their last five. I've seem temperature's in Antarctica that weren't this cold. And logic simply states that I should go with the A's, with a score of 5-2.
0 Random Thoughts:
Post a Comment