Rangers @ Tigers (September 12th-13th)

[Molina00]

Projected Matchups
Game 1: Vicente Padilla (13-9, 4.52 ERA) vs. Kenny Rogers (15-6, 3.91 ERA)

Game 2: Kevin Millwood (14-10, 4.49 ERA) vs. Justin Verlander (16-7, 3.19 ERA)

Game 1 Matchup Notes
Padilla: Vicente has pitched slightly better on the road this season posting a 4.18 ERA. He has struggled in his 2 September starts so far allowing 12 runs on 17 hits over 11 innings in starts against the Indians and A's. He is 2-0 with a 2.77 ERA in 2 career starts against the Tigers.

Rogers: The former Ranger great will be making his 3rd start of the year against Texas. In his previous 2 he combined to go 1-1 and allowed 7 runs in 10.1 innings of work. He has pitched very well of late going at least 7 innings in 4 straight starts and in 6 of his last 7.

Game 2 Matchup Notes
Millwood: Kevin has been very solid over his last 3 starts, 2 of which were at home where he has struggled this season. Over his last 3 starts he is 2-1 with a 2.74 ERA. Millwood is 1-1 with a 3.46 ERA in 2 starts against the Tigers this year and is 2-2 with a 3.02 ERA in 6 lifetime starts against them.

Verlander: After getting hammered by the Indians on August 26th, Verlander has been on fire allowed only 1 run on 12 hits in 14 innings over his last 2 starts. In his only other start against Texas this year, in April, he allowed just 2 hits and struck out 7 over 7 scoreless innings.

[Molina00]

Padilla is off to a great start in tonight's game 1. He has so far allowed only 1 run on 2 hits over 5 innings of work, the only run coming off of a Carlos Guillen homerun. Unfortunately, despite 7 hits off Kenny Rogers, the Rangers have also only managed to score 1 run, Michael Young's 13th homerun of the year. The game is currently tied at 1 two outs into the top of the 6th.

[Molina00]

Michael Young and Carlos Lee have both singled in the top of the 6th and the Rangers now have runners on 1st and 2nd with 2 outs and DeRo at the plate.

[Molina00]

DeRosa flies out to end the inning.
Game tied at 1 going into the bottom of the 6th.

[Molina00]

The Tigers were shutdown in the 6th and the game is now in the 7th and still tied at 1.

[Molina00]

The Rangers are threatening again. Laird singled, Kinsler followed with a walk, both advanced on a Nelson Cruz ground out. Now 2 in scoring position with 2 outs for Matthews.

[Molina00]

On the first Rogers delivery Matthews singles into leftfield. Laird scores from 3rd but Kinsler is nailed at home plate trying to score.
Rangers lead 2-1 going into the bottom of the 7th. Padilla with a 3-hitter through 6 so far.

[Molina00]

Padills is running into some trouble now. After getting 1 quick out he gave up a homerun to Marcus Thames and Brandon Inge followed with a double. Game now tied at 2.

[Molina00]

Padilla worked out of the jam getting Infante and Granderson to ground out, stranding Inge on 3rd. Game tied at 2 through 7 innings.

Padilla's pitch count is up to 105 now so I doubt he will see 8th inning action.
Rogers is at 95 but having allowed 10 hits, I think he may not see 8th inning action either.

[brewersfan19]

How is everything going in Ranger Land? Molina, is C. Lee been offered anything new from Rangers or are all talks off til end of year?

[Molina00]

How is everything going in Ranger Land? Molina, is C. Lee been offered anything new from Rangers or are all talks off til end of year?

It's better now that Texas broke a 3 game losing streak on Sunday. Haven't heard anything about Lee though. I expect they are waiting until the end of the season so he can play without distraction.

[brewersfan19]

Congrats on breaking the win streak... Well I just hope he doesnt go the the Yankees... They don't need him anyways, but I suppose if Boston goes after him, I guess the Yankees will too.

[Molina00]

If all goes well, the Rangers will resign Lee, Eaton, Matthews, DeRosa, Barajas and Padilla. Asking a lot, I know, but we need every one of those guys.

[Molina00]

Fernando Rodney came on to pitch the 8th for Detroit set down the Rangers in order. Game tied at 2 going into the bottom of the 8th.

[Molina00]

Wes Littleton pitched the 8th for Texas. He got Pudge to ground out to start the inning, followed with a walk to Monroe, then Maggs grounded into the inning ending double play.

Game tied at 2 through 8 innings.