Post-Game Show: Rangers 3, Twins 0

D-tails
• Boxscore, AL West Standings, AL Wild Card Standings

Story of the Game
If the Rangers do make the playoffs, who better to start Game 1, which will almost certainly be on the road, than RHP Scott Feldman?

The road warrior kept building a strong case for himself on Saturday with 5.2 scoreless innings against Minnesota on a night when he lacked great command. Thanks to a pair of double play grounders and some plucky pitching, Feldman won for the sixth consecutive time on the road. Each of the last three wins has followed a Ranger defeat. For the year he’s 10-1 in 12 road starts (the team won his only no decision) with a 2.75 road ERA.

And regardless of location, Feldman’s numbers are looking prettier and prettier. He’s now 14-4 with a 3.72 ERA for the season, though it’s 3.33 ERA as a starter.

Feldman got out of first inning trouble by getting AL batting leader Joe Mauer to bounce into a double play. In the second, after two runners reached base with one out, Feldman got Brendan Harris to ground into another double play. And though he didn’t have a 1-2-3 inning, when he turned the game over to the bullpen with two outs in the sixth, Feldman was working on a shutout.

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The Depot: Texas Rangers-Twins Live Game Blog, News, Notes and Fond Metrodome Memories

5:11: It is really nice out by the home run pool today. And for the girls, we’ve got two words for you: Cabana Boys!

5:19: Coming up in 10 minutes, the show you’ve all been waiting for: Ric Renner and I on TV doing Rangers Pre-Game. And post-game later on. Somebody please alert Ringling Bros.

6:06: Really nice touch to have Ron Washington throw out the first pitch tonight as part of final year ceremonies at the Metrodome. (more…)

Minnesota: Land of 10,000 Home Run Pools

We did have a winner last night: Cameron, who went with no homers and two runs, so congrats, Cameron and give me an email when you get a chance.

In the meantime, maybe David Murphy will be able to get that extra 12″ of lift to get the ball tonight and the Rangers will beat back the Twins. And if not Murphy, there are any number of other guys who might, considering Minnesota is starting RHP Carl Pavano. The Rangers have faced Pavano twice this year and scored 14 runs on 13 hits in five innings. Put it tis way: Marlon Byrd loves facing the guy so much – he’s 10-for-22 (.458) in his career – it might make any residual pain from that kidney stone disappear. Also, 3B Michael Young is 3-for-5 and 2B Ian Kinsler is 3-for-4.

Full lineup will be posted when I receive it. As always, entrys can be changed up until game time.

UPDATE, 5:09 pm: Rangers lineup DH Julio Borbon, 3B Michael Young, RF Josh Hamilton, CF Marlon Byrd, 2B Ian Kinsler, LF David Murphy, C Ivan Rodriguez, 1B Chris Davis, SS Omar Vizquel and pitching for the Rangers … RHP Scott Feldman.

Road To Arlington: Rangers Farm Report (8/29)

Triple-A: @Iowa 4, Oklahoma City 2

RHP Bryan Corey (6-8; 5.69) only lasted four innings, giving up six hits and four walks to go with three runs. RHP Willie Eyre (0-0; 2.23) pitched three dominant innings of relief, holding the Cubs scoreless on only one hit.

All five RedHawk hits came from the first four batters in the lineup, with SS Joaquin Arias, LF Casey Benjamin, and 3B Esteban German all going 1-4. The remaining hits came from the cleanup hitter, 1B Justin Smoak (.240/.362/.359), who singled and blasted his fourth homer at triple-A. Although Smoak’s combined OBP for the season is .410, he’s managed just 12 home runs in 381 at bats.

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