Couple years ago the Rangers and Josh Hamilton were making us evaluate historical feats at the plate. Monday night in Arlington, they could only assist in history.
Leading a 17-7 Indians’ rout at Globe Life Park, Cleveland third baseman Lonnie Chisenhall produced an unprecedented performance at the plate: 5 for 5 with three homers and nine RBI. Never been done in baseball history. It was only two Aprils ago that Hamilton had his four-homer night (5 for 5 with eight RBI) in Baltimore, but these days the injury-depleted Rangers are on the wrong side of history.
Chisenhall’s 5 for 5 isn’t all that rare. Happened four times this season, 15 times last year and 257 times since 2000. But 5 for 5 with three homers? That feat has been accomplished only 14 times since 1914. And 5 for 5 with three homers and nine – 9! – RBI? First time ever last night.
It wasn’t the best night at the plate in Major League Baseball history. But Chisenhall’s performance created a new category of power and greatness. While, in another sign of a season spiraling the wrong direction, the Rangers and pitchers Nick Martinez and Scott Baker were merely fodder for the history.
Chisenhall's nine-RBI night was also the biggest night ever allowed by the Rangers.
A native Texan who was born in Duncanville and graduated from UT-Arlington, Richie Whitt has been a mainstay in the Metroplex media since 1986. He’s held prominent roles on all media platforms including newspaper (Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Dallas Observer), radio (105.3 The Fan) and TV (co-host on TXA 21 and numerous guest appearances, including NBC 5). He currently lives in McKinney with his wife, Sybil, and two very spoiled dogs.
