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Tyson Ross' second start as a Texas Ranger did not go as well as his first. Unlike last time out when he was pumping in strikes against the Seattle Mariners, tonight Ross got through just three innings of work and allowed seven runs on 74 pitches.
Ross also allowed seven hits and walked one while striking out just two Blue Jays. Perhaps worst of all, it wasn't the Donaldsons and Bautistas of the lineup that got to Ross and the Rangers tonight as Darwin Barney and Ryan Goins teamed up to drive in five of the Jays' seven runs. Barney's two RBIs came via a home run as the poop topping on the garbage sundae that was the top of the first inning.
The Blue Jays scored six of their seven runs in the first inning and all with two outs. Ross threw over 40 pitches just to get out of the first inning and miraculously stayed in to at least give the Rangers a couple more frames.
If you paid attention to the innings Ross was putting up in his rehab outings, this kind of effort is more in line with how he was performing in the minors on his way back. Now we'll just have to wait and see if he truly has recovered from that damnable TOS surgery or if a generally inconsistent pitcher has been rendered too volatile to be trusted.
It was all crap as the Rangers did mount a methodical comeback attempt by scoring five runs over the course of the game while keeping the Blue Jays off the board after Ross exited. Unfortunately, they ran out of time to complete their peck-away effort.
And, regardless of the final score, this game will be remembered for Joey Gallo hitting an inside-the-park home run and for nothing the Blue Jays did. Gallo on the night went 3-for-4 with every hit going for extra bags (double, double, HR).
Player of the Game: Ernesto Frieri was brought to Texas to help with stabilizing the bullpen and tonight the Rangers got three innings of shutout relief from the former Angels closer. Those innings allowed the Rangers to creep back in the game and though they eventually failed to complete the rally, Frieri effort at least gave 'em a chance.
Up Next: The Rangers shoo away the bluebirds in the series finale with Martin Perez set to face RHP Marcus Stroman. First pitch is scheduled for a sweltering 1:05 pm CT.