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Good morning. In case you skipped last night's Rangers vs Astros game (which, kudos to you), you missed the Rangers getting blown the hell out 12-7 by Houston.
Newest Star-Telegram beat writer Stefan Stevenson recaps the game and notes that the Rangers outscored the Astros 7-6 after the 2nd inning but the Astros had to go and have that pesky six-run top of the 2nd.
MLB.com's Grace Raynor's game story focuses on the Rangers' bats showing up, at the very least. In fact, the Rangers were able to score more than five runs for the first time since June 25. That makes the fact that the Astros scored six runs in the 2nd inning alone all the more painful.
Keith Whitmire, like all Rangers fans, is fretting about the fact that the Rangers are in serious danger of losing the precious Silver Boot this season for the first time in seven years.
ESPN Dallas' Randy Jennings writes that mop up man extraordinaire Scott Baker was once again able to save the bullpen during a blowout.
In fact, Gerry Fraley writes that we should just start calling him Scott "Grim Reaper" Baker. Baker has now entered from the bullpen with the Rangers trailing in every appearance and the Rangers are 0-13 in those appearances.
Anthony Andro notes that Yu Darvish is excited about pitching in the All-Star Game but reckons he's only a tad bit better than Little League pitchers when compared to Felix Hernandez and Adam Wainwright.
Raynor wrangles the MLB Notebook and writes about Geovany Soto's rehab, Michael Choice's demotion, news on the Do it for Durrett benefit concert, and other notes.
John Henry has notes on Choice hopefully looking up Nelson Cruz's career path, Nick Martinez's status and Phil Irwin's debut.
Mike Vernon previews tonight's game with Irwin making the emergency start against Brad Peacock and the Boot-size-fitting Houston Astros.
Lastly, Dave Brown at the Big League Stew writes about Leonys Martin's high-pitched voice once again causing problems. At least this time it led to Rougned Odor making a nice catch. But seriously... The Rangers have an outfielder who can't make a call on a play because his voice is too timid. This is what our sports life is now.
