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The Texas Rangers were down 2-1 going into the bottom of the ninth against the Seattle Mariners and after a Nick Solak (the Rangers’ newest Michael Young starter kit) hit into a run-scoring fielder’s choice to tie it, Isiah Kiner-Falefa (last year’s Michael Young starter kit) fittingly ended the night triumphantly by lacing a ball opposite field for the walk-off single. It was a vintage Michael Young hit by IKF on Michael Young’s night to win it for the Rangers.
The fact that guys like Brandon McCarthy would miss LSU’s football opener to be there tonight or that Ron Washington would ask for a day off from coaching third base for a team who will be in the postseason to be there or that Colby Lewis would take time away from fixing up the ol’ riding mower for a nice thorough Saturday evening fresh cut to be there tonight is proof that, yes, Michael Young is beloved.
Congratulations, Michael!
Player of the Game: Brock Burke is now three for three in tossing quality starts in his short time in the majors as tonight he went six innings and allowed two runs on seven hits and just one walk. Burke has allowed three total runs in his 18 innings of work spanning the three starts and he somehow still hasn’t picked up his first big league win!
Also, bonus props to Jonathan Hernandez who tossed 2 1⁄3 scoreless relief innings with three Ks to keep his ledger spotless thus far in a couple of big league appearances.
Up Next: The Rangers will begin September by sending LHP Brett Martin to the mound as the opener in Mike Minor’s spot in the rotation as Texas looks to pick up a series win against LHP Yusei Kikuchi and the Mariners. Sunday’s first pitch in the series finale from The Ballpark is scheduled for 2:05 pm CT.