Texas Rangers @ Minnesota Twins -- April 15, 2012

1st

Twins tied for the most errors in the AL so far. Kind of the opposite of their reputation in the recent past.

Josh seems to be seeing the ball great right now. He's really keeping his head on every pitch, and doesn't seem to even be tempted by the majority of the junk stuff outside.

Part of what makes Beltre so fun to watch is how unconventional of a player he is. He plays the game in a unique way on both offense and defense, and finds a way to get results doing things his own way.

Feliz is hitting all his spots early on. Great movement and still ending up right at the target. Mauer's at bat has been very defensive but he's being patient.

Kinsler is one of the more fluid fielders out there. He's kind of the opposite of Beltre; Beltre likes to stop his momentum and throw flat-footed, while Kinsler seems to be at his best moving side to side and doing everything basically in one motion. Fun to watch.

2nd

How does Young shoot it through the infield gap every time he hits a line drive? Crazy.

Feliz is doing a nice job taking a little bit off the fastball until he needs to put those 2 or 3 extra MPH on the bigger pitches. Definitely a must for a starter.

I feel a rain delay coming...

It looks like Feliz is pitching with some SERIOUS confidence today.

3rd

Both pitchers seems to have the batters on the defensive so far.

It's impossible to gauge where the ball is by watching Nelly in the outfield.

4th

Shockingly, another hit from Michael Young! Dude can't get enough respect.

Nelly still has to have smarter at bats with RISP situations. He loves chasing that high heat sometimes.

No more perfect game for Neftali.

Mauer is a tough batter to face for Feliz's first chance to pitch from the stretch.

Can't let one base-hit get to you. Double play would be nice right now to get out of a little jam. I should type this stuff out more often if it's actually going to happen.

5th

NAP-O-LI. Going upper-deck for #1 of the year.

1-0 RANGERS.

Kinsler's gotten backed off the plate a couple of times now with a pitch under the chin.

Let's see if the one run lead gives Feliz a little boost to really get deep into this game. He's looked great but a little bit shaky with runners on last inning.

Feliz is getting frustrated when he's missing now. Maybe a little tired but definitely still got some innings left.

2 run homer and kind of feeling like Torrealba should go talk to Feliz for a minute and chill him out.

2-1 TWINS.

6th

Really nice pitch to get Elvis looking. Looks like Hendriks is ready for his attempt at the shut-down inning after getting the lead. He's hitting that low, outside corner to righties consistently now.

ANOTHER hit by Young, but no way should Beltre be trying to score from first like that.

This would be a good time for Feldman. Feliz is throwing pitches that should be getting hit, and they are.

3-1 TWINS.

Good test for Robbie Ross with runners on and nobody out. Getting strikeouts and not letting runners advance; nice damage control.

Wow, Beltre was easily out on that relay throw from earlier, even with the outfielder bobbling it. Should have been held at third.

7th

Getting hit on the toe and stealing a base is the same as a double right? Go Murph.

Well-placed hits by the Twins today.

Ugliest attempt ever at a hit-and-run by the Twins, wow...

Good stuff from Ross today, he's got an old school pitcher feel to him for some reason.

8th

Maybe that leadoff walk by Kins will be able to get this thing going. Perfect time for the top of the lineup.

Elvis showing some power again to be able to drop it behind the outfielder for the triple.

3-2 TWINS.

Hambone refuses to hit a home run if its not upper deck! Got that comeback taken care of nice and quick.

4-3 RANGERS.

Why do the Twins always seem like such a likable team?

Baseball karma brings the double-play ball after the blown call by the ump. Nice.

9th

Insurance runs would be really nice in this type of game.

Another tight chance for Nathan. Let's see if he still feels comfortable in Minnesota. He looks more calm and is missing outside of the zone instead of middle so far. Still can't give up a walk here though. Awesome bullpen pitching + Josh Hamilton = Win.

FINAL: 4-3 RANGERS