Texas got down early, when they gave up a run to the Cubs in the first, but turned it around quickly with a two spot of their own in the second. They added a run in the third, to go up 3-1, but that was the end of the scoring for the Rangers. They hung on for the win despite the Cubs getting another run in the top of the sixth to make it 3-2. But that was the final score for this one. Close game against the Northsiders.
That first run for the Cubs was a solo home run off the Rangers starter Robbie Ross. Ross went four innings, allowing just that one run, and looked good. Four hits, no walks, just that one run with a single strikeout. 49 pitches over four innings is quite a good pitch count, so this definitely qualifies as a good start. Qualified for the win – obviously spring training has different rules about “wins” and starters. :)
Speaking of “first” and home run, the Rangers run in the third came on the first home run by Lance Berkman, who is getting off to a good start this spring.
Alexi Ogando followed Ross, and threw three innings of his own. Two hits, couple of walks, allwed just one run. He also struck out six, which was impressive, as he recorded nine outs.
This wasn’t a high powered offense, as the runs in the second came on three straight singles, and the Rangers only had the solo home run and a double for anything that wasn’t a 1B.
A win is a win, and we’ve got two in a row. Hoping things turn around for us, as we’re still pretty down in the W/L stats.