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The Baltimore Orioles began tonight's game with a double, walk, single and a 1-0 lead. With runners on first and second, and after having not struck out anyone in his last start in Anaheim, Martin Perez struck out the side to end the threat.
The Texas Rangers took a page out of Thursday's win by plating five runs in the bottom of the 2nd started by Mitch Moreland's first home run of the season. Up 5-1, and with Perez cruising, you wouldn't blame a Rangers fan -- or a Ranger -- for assuming another welcoming to the Win Column was in the works.
However, after the five-run outburst in the 2nd, the Rangers' bats went silent and the Orioles decided to finally get revenge for that 30 run game from '07, apparently. In the top of the 7th, up 5-1, Perez allowed a two-run dinger to Mark Trumbo to make it 5-3. Tom Wilhelmsen came in and promptly allowed a game-tying two run jack to Jonathan Schoop and Nolan Reimold followed with a solo shot to make it 6-5.
But that's not all! Manny Machado doubled off the top of the wall in right-center with two outs, Adam Jones singled him in to end Wilhelmsen's night. Andrew Faulkner came in and walked Chris Davis before Trumbo homered for the second time in the inning to make it 10-5.
Schoop would add his second homer, another one off Faulkner, to bring tonight's final score to 11-5 in a game that the Rangers looked to have total control of until they suddenly didn't.
Adrian Beltre signed a two-year extension tonight though so I'm not even mad.
Player of the Game: The Rangers have had their starting pitcher allow three or fewer runs in each start this season and their starters lead baseball in innings pitched. Perez continued that streak tonight and padded that innings lead a little by going six innings and allowing three runs (just two earned).
Other than the first few batters of the game, Perez looked really good while striking out six Orioles. Even the home run he allowed to Trumbo to end his night in the 7th was on a pitch down and in. "Teen didn't get a win because the bullpen still hasn't figured out The Ballpark, but it was his best start of the season.
Up Next: The Rangers and Orioles reconverge at The Ballpark for the third game of this series with old friend Yovani Gallardo facing off against Colby Lewis. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 pm CT.