The Texas Rangers will try to rebound from an embarassing start to their 2011 playoffs at the Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. Rangers ace left-handed pitcher C.J. Wilson got the start on Friday but he got his "you know what" handed to him in a 9-0 shelling.
Wilson gave up the most runs in a single game since his 2005 rookie campaign. With his contract set to expire in the offseason, the lefty was looking to turn the playoffs into a payday, but only lasted five innings. Wilson gave up his first homer to a lefty batter since May 31, then his first three-run homer since May 9. He wound-up allowing three multiple-run homers after giving up only four such drives all season.
"The ball was kind of squirting out, not going where I wanted it to," Wilson said. "I had some decent speed on the ball, my cutter was OK, but my location was bad."
The mood in the clubhouse after the game was anything but somber. Ranger's All-Star Josh Hamilton told NBC 5's Newy Scruggs, "Each game counts for itself. "We're not trying to win a division anymore, we are trying to win one game at a time."
On Saturday, Rangers left-handeder Derek Holland will faceoff against Rays right-handed pitcher James Shields. Shields has pitched well against the Rangers this year, shutting them down twice in less than a week in August.
Remember this is a best-of-five series - so lets just hope the Rangers get this one tonight. Game time is 6pm cst.
