After the Texas Rangers offense put up an 8-spot in the first inning on starting pitcher Rick Porcello and the Detroit Tigers, all Matt Harrison had to go out there and do is not give up the farm versus the Tigers bats. Harrison did well after being given a huge lead, as the left-hander went 7.2 innings and gave up just three earned runs as the Rangers polished off the Tigers 10-4 in the first game of Saturday’s double-header in Arlington.
Josh Hamilton’s three-run homer in the first inning got the runs rolling in for the Rangers, as Nelson Cruz, Mitch Moreland and Ian Kinsler all contributed 2 RBIs each in Saturday’s afternoon game. Mike Napoli’s solo home run in the 9th inning put the Rangers in double-digits for runs scored and now Ron Washington will get his boys focused for game two this evening.
Adrian Beltre was replaced in the second inning by Alberto Gonzalez after straining his left hamstring in the second inning. He is currently listed as day-to-day.
For more news and analysis on the Rangers, head over to Lone Star Ball while Bless You Boys has you covered for all the pre-game angles from Detroit.