We Win the Staredown Game
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For what, 5 or 6 innings, even a no-hitter still wasn't good enough. Earl remarked that this state of affairs isn't good for morale. The Rangers seemed to be lurking smugly, apparently secure in their belief that not even James Paxton was enough to change the M's status as Ranger "customers."
Then, in three pitches, the game went from 0-0 to 5-0. The Rangers blinked several times in confusion, trying to process the surprise. We noticed that James Paxton came out the next inning unafraid to throw strikes. And we remembered how Lou Piniella used to juggle his rotation so that Randy Johnson would pitch the first game of division series.
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Blowers noted the 3 pitches thingy. He also noted that Boomstick is starting to get the huge launch velocities. We note that Boom is starting to blast pitches foul down the 3B line. Jeff Sullivan was asked, in his Friday chat, Is there any reason to believe that Cruz is not done? Jeffy's reply, Everything he has done in recent history. HEH.
Did you see the at-bat where Cashner threw him 5 consecutive pitches, just off the black at the knees? I am not even joking. 3-1 and then a nibble walk. They do NOT want to throw ANYthing dangerous to this guy. That's your best tip that Cruz is hitting his stride.
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Seager's big hit in the 5-run sixth ... a full count changeup that was totally drop-dead gorgeous. Beautifully thrown, sinking to the shins. Seager front-armed it into right field for a squeaky clean single. A great moment.
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We noticed that Mitch Haniger got a couple more frustratingly perfect first pitches. Have you noticed that? Seems every other at-bat, the first pitch is a 95 MPH jam right at the top inside corner, or a 12-6 curve that nips the black, or a slider that clips the lo-away corner .... it just hasn't bothered him.
Jeffy also was axed why Haniger hasn't been in the top 10 Fangraphs searches the last few days. His quip: Everybody already knows he's the best hitter in the game.
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Taylor Motter with a 3-run blast, Earl's favorite weapon, right when it mottered. By the day we all wonder a little more about a Zobrist-, McLemore-type weapon. It's okay to whisper it in hushed tones. We're not 'journalists' and we don't have to show pessimistic detachment. This is a baseball chat and the question about a Big Motter Discovery looks reasonable from here.
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Can we poach the Hamels game? And at 5-8, with a sweep of the Rangers, feel like everything's going to be okay? Huh. 538.com has us at a 53% chance to win, even against Mr. Lefty Changeup.
Be Afraid,
Dr D