Orioles @ Rangers: July 6th-8th)

[Molina00]

Game 1 Recap
The Rangers kicked off their final series before the all-star break in fine fashion. Hosting the Orioles, Texas got a great outting from starter Kam Loe, some timely hitting from Brad Wilkerson, and a game winning hit from lone all-star representative Michael Young.

Kam Loe got the start for Texas and dominated the Orioles batters throwing 6 scoreless innings. He was unable to get the win though as Eric Gagne would late suffer his first blown save of the season.

The Rangers lead 1-0 going into the 6th when Brad Wilkerson teed off against Orioles starter Jeremy Guthrie for a 2-run blast, his 14th homer of the season, to give Texas a 3-0 lead. The Orioles got 2 runs back off C.J. Wilson in the 7th, then a game tying run in the 9th off Eric Gagne to force extra innings. The Orioles sent Paul Shuey to the mound in the 10th. Rookie Travis Metcalf leadoff the inning with a double and was later driven home by a Michael Young single to give the Rangers a 4-3 victory in the series opener.

The problem is the game should have never gotten to Paul Shuey in the 10th inning, but due to a dumb ass call on the wild pitch play at the plate the game was extended. I hate blaming games on the umpires, but this call was so obvious it was sickening.

[Molina00]

Game 2 Recap
Another solid pitching performance by a Ranger starter, but the Orioles still came out on top 3-0.

Brandon McCarthy started for Texas and pitched a very solid game going 6 innings and allowing 2 runs (1 earned) on 4 hits but took the loss. Erick Bedard started for the Orioles and was almost as dominating as is humanly possible. Bedard went the distance throwing a 2-hit shutout and blowing away 15 Ranger batters.

The Rangers lone hits were singles by Desi Relaford and Sammy Sosa. The Orioles turned double plays on both of them however, and Bedard finished the game facing the minimum 27 batters.