Oh don’t kid yourself. The obvious headline on this one was because I didn’t want to tempt the baseball gods. If it weren’t for the Rangers “new” leader, Adrian Beltre, we’d be looking at a three game lead and I wouldn’t be sure if I could even watch tonight. Our guys are family. Ron Washington makes it so and “Dad” sent a message not only to Derek Holland last night, but to the rest of the team. It’s on. At least that is what I got when he pulled Derek early. Our bullpen got the job done after that while Beltre went to work with a two-run homer to tie it and the single up the middle to score Craig Gentry and end the night’s drama. Magic number- 5. The magic number has been something I have wanted no part of until last night. We have no easy road to the last game of the season. But if the guys are all on the same page, they surely know that a sweep means it’s over. After 38 years of Ranger baseball, where the end of the season meant seeing the youngsters play some games, I have learned a true pennant chase is not for the meek of heart.
Yikes.
Tonight we get Tommy Milone who, until September, had been a good pitcher. Let’s keep him on the ropes for this month. We send out Yu Darvish who has been on a good roll. Because we used our pen so much last night, maybe Yu can go eight innings.
No Pepper 