Rangers 4, Rockies 1 (boxscore)
What Went Wrong: As you know, I've lowered my standards significantly for this series in Texas, so I'm almost willing to say nothing went wrong on Friday night. Then again, anytime you have 12 hits and only score one run, something definitely went wrong. Or several somethings.
A clutch hit here. A productive out there. They would have gone a long way towards making this a different outcome on the scoreboard. But overall, they did everything they needed to do to not get embarrassed. I'm oddly satisfied with that.
Turning Point: There were several wasted chances as noted above.
1st Inning: Left Carlos Gonzalez at second.
2nd Inning: Left runners at the corners.
5th Inning: Left runners at first and second.
6th Inning: Two more left on.
7th Inning: A Jonathan Herrera double play killed a potential big rally. Dexter Fowler followed with a triple and then Marco Scutaro doubled him home.
8th Inning: Michael Cuddyer double play. Two more runners left on.
Pick one.
Christian Friedrich's Line: 6 IP, 4 ER, 7 H, 1 BB, 4 K, 2 HR, 73 pitches (49 strikes)
Good night for Friedrich. Sure, the Rangers got him for a couple home runs, but both were the very definition of wall scrapers. Yes, it also helped that the Rangers were aggressive and swinging early in counts, but all that matters is he was able to get 18 outs against the best offense in baseball while under this ridiculous pitch count.
It was a positive, dare I say encouraging, performance.
Guillermo Moscoso's Line: 2 IP, 0 R, 0 H, 0 BB, 4 K, 30 pitches (18 strikes)
Hot damn. Moscoso almost looked like a big league pitcher out there.
Highlight of the Night: That guy Carlos Gonzalez can do a lot of things really well. One of them is throwing.
What's Next: The two teams will turn right around for an afternoon game on Saturday. First pitch is slated for 1:05 with Josh Outman (0-3, 8.41) starting for Colorado against the Rangers Colby Lewis (6-5, 3.00).
Final Thoughts: As positive as I've been, I'm afraid to say this is the game the Rockies needed to win in this series to avoid a sweep. I foresee nothing but awful things on Saturday and Sunday. Awful, awful things.
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