Lone Star Series Resumes Tonight: Rangers-Astros In Arlington

On the baseball front, there are these things:

• The Rangers’ AL West lead has slipped to two games, smallest since May 22nd, which is when the Rangers went to Houston, swept three games from the Astros and came back to Arlington three games up. With these three games wrapping up the longest homestand of the year – a homestand that has seen the Rangers go 2-4 in the first six games – it is necessary for the Rangers to win the series.

• The Rangers will wear red all three days. They are 7-3 in their bright little red tops this season.

• Former Ranger Ivan Rodriguez needs to play two games this series to set the record for the most games appeared in as a catcher. He trails Carlton Fisk (2,226) by one game. Pudge has already established marks for most games started as a catcher (2,148) and most innings caught as a catcher (18,614.1), so to me, adding most games played isn’t that big a deal. He’s already spent more time squatting behind the plate than anybody in history.

• Finally there is the Silver Boot trophy, which the Rangers can clinch with one win or by not being outscored by more than nine runs.

But that’s not all, there’s lots of free stuff to be had. A bundle of booty, you might even say. Here is what the Rangers are doing promotions-wise over the next three days:

Tuesday, – 7:05 p.m. (TV: My27-HD)

• Dr Pepper Batting Helmets for the first 7,500 kids 13 and under.
• Lone Star Silver Boot Presentation.

Wednesday – 7:05 p.m. (TV: FSSW-HD)

• Texas Rangers “Go Green” Reusable Bag for the first 15,000 fans 14 and older.
• Olympic Boxer Luis Yanez will throw out the first pitch.
• Dollar Hot Dog Night
• Dr Pepper Autograph Wednesday for kids 13 and under. Four Rangers players, coaches, and alumni will be signing autographs on designated areas of the concourse between 5:30 and 6:00 p.m. The names of the players signing will be available when the gates open.

Thursday, – 7:05 p.m. (TV: FSSW-HD)

• Rangers “T” Nightlight for the first 7,500 fans 13 and under.
• Last day for in-park MLB All-Star Voting.