Sunday, September 7, 2008

Texas Rangers 15, Boston Red Sox 8

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ARLINGTON — The Texas Rangers finally won one over Boston Saturday night, defeating the Red Sox 15-8 at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. The win was the first of the season for Texas against Boston, and improved the Rangers to 70-73.

Photo not provided by the Texas Rangers

Pictured: a grateful Nelson Cruz shows his appreciation for Wakefield's performance Saturday night

Most of the damage came early off of Boston starter Tim Wakefield, who was making his historic 500th appearance for the Sox. After easy outs on the first few batters he faced, Wakefield was unable to get a third out in the second inning, giving up seven runs --including two on bases-loaded walks-- before getting yanked in the shortest start of his Boston career.

Rangers starter Matt Harrison pitched significantly better, giving up four runs over a serviceable six innings of work. Harrison, who has benefited tremendously from the high-powered Rangers offense this season, improved to 7-3 with a 5.76 ERA.

Several Rangers had great days at the plate, but no one had a better day than recent call-up Nelson Cruz. Cruz, who was brought up from the minors just a few weeks ago, continued his tear at the plate with a 3-for-4 performance, hitting a double and two towering home runs. Cruz drove in five runs and scored three more, and is now hitting .302 with 9 RBI in 12 games.

Catcher Gerald Laird also had a good day, going 3-for-5 with a pair of doubles, two runs scored and an RBI. Laird was also the catalyst for the Rangers' big second inning when he scored off a Wakefield passed ball to get the ball rolling.

Every Rangers starter had at least one hit and only one, Hank Blalock, failed to score. Josh Hamilton drove in three more RBI and still leads the league with 124, although Philadelphia's Ryan Howard is close behind at 119.

Posted by Todd M.

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