Officially, I’ll blame Friday’s 15-2 pounding in Detroit on the inexplicable decision to wear blue. But, to be honest, I think former Ranger Armando Galarraga might have had something to do with it -- as well as current Ranger, Kris Benson.
Galarraga, Detroit’s starter, kept Texas’ hitters off balance deftly over seven innings of work, surrendering five hits (all singles), a walk and a run; he was a 13 game winner in 2008, after being acquired from Texas.
Kris Benson didn’t fare nearly so well; while he didn’t pitch as poorly as his line indicates, he made several costly mistakes that proved insurmountable for Texas’ stagnant offense.
Benson gave up two runs over three innings, before Miguel Cabrera broke it open with a fourth inning grand slam. He surrendered ten hits in all, and eight runs over five innings of work. Friday marked Benson’s first major league appearance since 2006.
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Texas’ bullpen proved unsuccessful in their attempts to stop the bleeding. Warner Madrigal retired the first two hitters he faced with ease, before drilling Gerald Laird; he then walked three straight, before being pulled in favor of Josh Rupe.
Rupe walked in a run and surrendered two two-run singles, extending the Detroit lead to 14-1.
Nelson Cruz hit his third home run of the season to lead off the ninth, but, predictably enough, it proved to be an afterthought.
Former Rangers’ catcher Gerald Laird, who was acquired by Detroit last winter, went 2 for 3 with a triple, 2 runs and an RBI.
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