This song has been stuck on the brain the last couple of days... had to share it.
So, I think the Rangers just might clinch before the series against the A's, but it is still tough to say. One thing is for sure, it will be done on the road, which is a bit of a bummer, as I would truly enjoy going to the 'clinching' game.
So, Colby Lewis against Galarraga. I said yesterday that it was hands down Rangers for this game, but now that I look at it, not so sure. The numbers are good for Galarraga, with one exception: At first glance, I noticed a 4-5 record (indicating not being around all season) and 40 walks (which means if he hasn't pitched too much, those are a lot of free passes). As it is, Galarraga started the season injured and got his first ML action this year in mid-May and has since grabbed down 20 starts and 21 games.
Galarraga has lost his last two starts against the Rangers, allowing eight runs over 14 1-3 innings and receiving two total runs of support. Against Texas, Armando has four starts and a 2-2 record and a 3.95 ERA over 27.1 innings. What is surprising is that the Rangers have 26 hits and 6 walks, giving Galarraga a 1.17 WHIP, which is a good line for a pitcher. The hitters need to take advantage of what Armando gives them tonight, especially since he is averaging 2 walks per start and has given up five walks in a game twice in his last eight starts. In another game, he gave up four walks. I will remind you that he threw a 'one-hitter' on June 3rd, which made a lot of press as he got to one out away from a perfect game against Cleveland before the ump blew a call at first on what should have been the final out, so he can pitch good. He's just not doing that lately and I don't expect him to do anything near a perfect game tonight.
Well, Colby Lewis... he's an awesome pitcher. Here's the thing with Colby... the Rangers are 2-8 in his last 10 starts. And Lewis is 1-7 during that stretch. That is mind boggling to think about. So, he's gone from 9-5 to 10-12 while really not pitching all that bad. There were a couple of games that I think he deserved to lose, particularly against Oakland and Minnesota, but outside of that, he's done a deceint job. With a 20% success rate for the latest number on Lewis, it makes it hard to pick the Rangers in this one.
Forecast: Well, the Rangers are smart when it comes to having a game plan. I think that comes with having Washington as the chief in charge. But the thing that sticks in my mind is the whole 20% on Colby. Colby is 8th in strikeouts in the AL, more than Cliff Lee and more than CJ Wilson, so he will fan them out tonight. Lewis is also 16th in WHIP with a 1.22 WHIP, which shows his control of a game. Has he not been lucky? I think so. Will he be lucky tonight? I want to say yes, I really do, but I honestly don't think it will change much. I am going to go with my mind and against my gut and say Detroit splits this one with a 4-3 score.
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