Almost a historic night.

Getaway night may befit the San Diego Padres, yet it was the Texas Rangers who resembled a person needing to hide. The numbers do not lie...

Prior to this evening I have been privy 2 2-hitters. I have seen three 3 HR performances, 2 6 for 6 games, and one batter hitting for the cycle. I had been witness to only 1 1-hitter prior to tonight.

April 27th 1993 I was one week removed from moving to Seattle from Orange County, Ca. My pal Luis hooked me up with 3 Yankee tickets at the Big A. As always, half the crowd rooted for New York, the other half Anaheim.

New York's Jimmy Key was spot on this evening. It was either the 3rd of 4th inning when outfielder Gary DiSarcina (the same guy to make the last out in Kenny Rogers' perfect game in 1994) would hit a clean single up the gap for California. The Yankees won handily that night. I told myself it would be a long while before I see that happen again in person.

16 years and 61 days later ex-Athletic Chad Gaudin was being a tough lefty (like Key) in Arlington. In a game that took a mere 2 hours and 26 minutes, Gaudin stupefied Texas with his command of the plate in a 2-0 San Diego victory. Michael Young got the lone hit early in the game. With an Angel victory the Rangers now fall to 1.5 games back in 2nd in the A.L. West.

This is disturbing. For the month of June, the Rangers have a team batting average of .220   If you want a batting average thats lower than this go back to September 1972 when the team hit .188 THEIR ROOKIE YEAR IN ARLINGTON! September 1988 there was a .221 

Chad Gaudin became the first opponent to throw a one-hitter in Arlington since Mike Mussina tossed a 1-hitter in 1992 on July 17th. The 3rd overall if you include Rick Helling and Kenny Rogers. It was the best performance I have seen all year, and this includes what I saw Zack Greinke do back in April.

Josh Hamilton is about to come off the DL. I felt bad for Tommy Hunter who allowed but 6 hits and 2 runs in defeat. The kid is a gamer. Played in near 100 degree heat and on a night where pets were allowed, the Rangers were RUFFed by up the Petco bunch.

No time to lick the wounds. The Angels are here for a three game series and a showdown for first place. The Rays arrive therafter. This night I believe was rock bottom for this Ranger ballclub. Things can not get any worse.

Who will be the guy to step up and be the needed spark? Time will tell. Hats off to Chad Gaudin on an outstanding performance against a team known for high run production.

We may finally get a break in the weather.

Time for a walk!

Over and out in Big D

Mr Will