Texas Rangers @ Boston Red Sox -- April 17, 2012

1st

Lester is finding a way to give Kinsler a ton of attention on first but still come to the plate with some really sharp pitches.

Mike Aviles is a very nervous looking batter.

2-0 RED SOX

On top of having a very solid lineup, the Red Sox are also a tough road team to play defensively because of their ability to utilize the Green Monster. Pedroia knows the types of pitches that he can put a pull swing on and yank over the Monster for a quick home run.
Colby isn't hitting the corners with his breaking pitches like he was in his last start.
You really miss Hamilton's arm in center field when you see a throw like the one Gentry just had. Colby's bringing back the glove scoop defensive play from last year!

2nd

If Cruz gets an inside pitch during his first at-bat, he should use the Green Monster like Pedroia did. 
Fenway is such a great park. I don't think any other park has the potential to alter the game like this one with all the weird dimensions and angling of the walls. 
Definition of a no-doubter from Napoli; looks like the Monster's gonna be a popular spot tonight.

2-2

It's ridiculous how quickly and positively the Rangers offense is reacting  to adversity. Every time they need one or two runs, their batters just step up and calmly string some hits together like its nothing.
Umpire is calling some low strikes. Lester should be taking advantage of that but is loading the bases instead.
3-2 RANGERS
With all the power in this lineup, speed can still get runs scored too.
Hit or error, Hamilton's going to get on base somehow in this hot streak.
4-2 RANGERS
It's a great sign to see the other team's bullpen warming up in the 2nd inning of the first game of a series.
I've never seen a batter that gets anywhere close to as excited as Beltre does when a high fastball is on the way.
A strikeout in the first at bat and now chasing pitches that are up in the zone; could be an off-night for Young.

Definitely a strike zone favoring the pitchers so far, and Colby's taking advantage of it.

3rd

It's officially a hit parade against Lester. If Lester can't even hit the wider strike zone that's been there so far, this could get ugly pretty quick.
Bobby Valentine isn't exactly the face of encouragement when he goes in to take a pitcher out.
5-2 RANGERS
Red Sox look like they're over thinking everything. Rangers might as well just start each inning with the bases loaded.

6-2 RANGERS

7-2 RANGERS
Of course Hamilton's going to find the hole in the infield.

I still don't understand how Youkilis can even swing the bat with the way he starts out gripping it in his stance.

4th

More frustration for Young.

Sox keep on testing out right-center, but it's staying in the park.
Hamilton really is as much of a defensive asset as he is an offensive one; what a gun.

5th

The defense from the Red Sox tonight has been pretty hilarious...

Can't be fun for Aviles batting first immediately after getting taken out by a slide in the top of the inning.
Completely opposite defensive performances from each of these teams. Colby has only made one mistake pitch so far. 

6th

8-2 RANGERS
Right when I'm thinking the Red Sox pitchers are settling in a bit, Young decides to take one out. Right-center field too, right where the Sox have been trying to go all night it seems.

Sometimes the Green Monster just gets the best of the fielders.
Rangers pitchers don't really seem to care how "hitter-friendly" any given ballpark is. They've been lights out regardless.

7th

The threatening, but just short, fly balls to right-center keep coming from both teams. Gentry looks more comfortable at the plate, but his swing is off.

First time I've seen the wave at Fenway.
Colby is pitching dirty right now. So much movement on the curveball and hitting the perfect spot with the fastball to take advantage of the lower part of the strike zone being available tonight.

8th

The weak defense from Cody Ross continues. Hard-hit ball from Kinsler but very catchable if Ross hadn't started in. There's only been one or two easy innings for Red Sox pitchers tonight. 

11-2 RANGERS

This has got to be one of Hamilton's best games on both sides of the ball, and probably one of his best starts to a season.
12-2 RANGERS
Beltre wanted in on the home run fun too!
14-2 RANGERS
So did Nelly. I'd hate to be a Red Sox fan right now.
Why even change pitchers at this point? Rangers are hitting everything.
I can't even believe how bad the Sox defense has been.
And the backups finally start getting plate appearances.
15-2 RANGERS
Pretty surprised with how many fans have stayed at the park.
16-2 RANGERS
More power from Elvis.
Hard to believe it was 2-0 Red Sox at one point.

16-3 RANGERS
Uehara giving up a home run; what a shocker.
Nothing has snowballed with the Rangers pitchers this year. It seems like mistakes are being forgotten instantly.

9th

Even Murph is able to come off the bench and get a hit right away. Been that kind of night. 

18-3 RANGERS

Didn't think there was any way that home run by Napoli was fair! Perfect hook around the right field pole.

Nice to see Mark Lowe in there. He hasn't had many opportunities.
Rally cap with the team down 15 runs, good stuff.

FINAL: 18-3 RANGERS