A.J. Murray was called up to start this game on Saturday. I generally don’t like once we start going into the minors for guys to start games, who aren’t likely to start more than a game or so. It just “feels” like panic. Oh, I know all the rational, factual reasons for why it’s done, but once we start having these kinds of subs (and especially on May 3rd), it just feels like desperation and/or panic.
Still, Arlington John Murray started this game, and actually pitched pretty decently. He went 5.1 innings, giving up six hits and two walks. Gave up three runs, although one was unearned (oh look, another Ranger error). Our bullpen threw another 2+ innings of shutout ball, so that was nice to see, although CJ Wilson did not get the save opportunity – must have been unavailable (missed that point when I was watching).
Offensively, we had about as spread out an offense as you could get. We had nine hits overall, and each Rangers player (there were no subs this game) had exactly one hit. David Murphy’s though was the biggest – a three run home run in the first inning – which pretty much set the tone for the whole game. Chris Shelton had another home run, his first as a Ranger – that came in the ninth for an extra insurance run at that time.
Jarrod Saltamacchia and German Duran connected on a strike ’em out – throw ’em out double play, which was nice to see.
Milton Bradley had a caught stealing, and a pickoff in his ledger this game. Makes you wonder if there was a lapse of attention on the bases for him tonight.
I suppose the biggest news of this day was not the Rangers win (which is good), but the fact that Josh Hamilton was named the American League player of the month for April 2008. That hasn’t happened to a Ranger in many a season. It was nice to see him get that award in his first month as a Ranger. Based on his spring training numbers, it’s nice to see it carry over into the regular season. As a Christian, I rejoice in his story of salvation, but as a baseball fan, I rejoice in his performance. Praise be to God that Josh is in the place he is in, and has the skills he has to get noticed, and be able to deliver God’s word from a place you don’t normally see it delivered from. Good for Josh.