Sandler's Thoughts After Rangers Win Over Astros
By: Jared Sandler
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Here are some thoughts, stats, and notes from last night's 6-5 Rangers win... (as always, in no particular order)
*The Rangers have matched their best ever 57-game start in franchise history (35-22) and their best ever 31-game home record (22-9) in franchise history, as well.
*They're now 7-0 vs. the Astros this year and have won 11 straight vs. Houston at Globe Life Park dating back to last season.
*Colby Lewis was not his statistical best, but I can't stop thinking of how impressive his 6th inning was. With the score tied, Lewis was asked to get 5 outs due to two Rangers errors. Thus, he was asked to face Springer, one of baseball's hottest hitters entering the game, with the bases loaded and 1 out and didn't just get him out, but did so in a way that didn't lead to a run. Then, he gets Altuve, a guy batting .336, to get out unscathed. When you also add in that he was in his final inning with the gas tank running low, it is that much more impressive.
*Lewis, by the way, is tied for the AL lead with 10 QS (in 12 starts). The Major League lead is held by Clayton Kershaw, who has 11.
*How about the Rangers' bullpen? They went toe-to-toe with one of baseball's best bullpens and stood tallest at the end. Since May 1, Houston's bullpen ERA is best in baseball, and with their talented arms, it isn't a fluke, but Texas got the job done. It might take some time for the Rangers' bullpen to be more statistically pleasing because of its rough start, but this group is certainly way more effective since Sam Dyson became the closer.
*Speaking of the bullpen, how about this ridiculous note: Opposing hitters are just 1-for-22 (.045) vs. Sam Dyson's changeup this year.
*Odor collected his second walk-off RBI with his 2B to the opposite field, but I think it is important to note that two of his RBI gave the Rangers the lead while his other RBI tied the score.
*Nomar Mazara posted a career-high 4 hits and 5 times on-base. Beyond the box score raw number, two of his hits came against hard-throwing relievers (Feliz and Giles) and both of those came in critical moments.
*Elvis Andrus diving play on the Correa ground out in the middle innings to get the force at second was outstanding. What a play on a night in which poor defense almost cost the Rangers the game.
*I was very encouraged from what I saw at the plate from Prince Fielder. Even his final at-bat, a strikeout, was competitive against arguably baseball's most statistically dominant reliever since May 1, Michael Feliz. Let's see where it goes from here.
*Fielder notched his 6th multi-hit game of the year. Last year at this point he had 29 multi-hit games.
*Prince Fielder was not good in the field, but what did you expect? With Jurickson Profar taking ground balls at first base prior to the game, my expectation is that the next time Prince is in the lineup and Mitch isn't, Profar plays first. Of course, after Choo returns, Rua can play first, too.
*The Ken Giles comments were dumb and unnecessary, though, when you listen to the audio rather than read the quotes, themselves, they don't sound as bad. He's frustrated. I get it. What bothers me is that he decided to, intentionally or not, throw Carlos Correa somewhat under the bus with his inability to smoothly start what could have been a double play in the 9th. If Giles had skins on the wall and was a respected team leader, that's one thing. But he's not, and, frankly, the narrative surrounding him this year is more about his struggles than successes so he probably should just shut up and focus on getting hitters out.
*Jose Altuve is really fun to watch hit. He seems to continue to get better.
*I love watching George Springer play right field. His athleticism and ability is outstanding. He does what all outfielders would love to do: play shallow and cover deep. Most outfielders find it easier to come in then go back, so most aren't comfortable playing shallow, but an outfielder who is able to do that is dangerous with his ability to take away the shallow hit. Springer does just that, all the while remaining super effective making plays when having to go back on balls.
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