Surprise Day 20

> Rangers 13, Diamondbacks 11
Box / Recap / Star-Telegram / Morning News

Apparently the winds were blowing out at Tucson Electric Park on Monday afternoon, because the pitchers out there didn't stand a chance. The Rangers were able to slug their way to a 13-11 win over Arizona that was anything but pretty.

Juan Dominguez made the start and gave up two runs on four hits, not hurting his chances to make the rotation but not helping them either. Thomas Diamond really struggled, allowing five runs, five hits, and a homer in under two innings. Fabio Castro and Kelvin Jimenez were the only pitchers that were able to keep the Diamondbacks off the scoreboard. Thankfully, the offense was able to deliver an impressive performance.

As you would probably expect, several hitters had outstanding games. Kevin Mench was probably the offensive leader with a grand slam and five RBI. Adrian Brown and Joaquin Arias had three hits apiece. Somebody named Tim Olson that I have never heard of also chipped in a home run for Texas. Jimenez was finally able to shut down the Diamondbacks in the bottom of the ninth to earn the save and give the Rangers the win.

Ian Kinsler is doing his best to leave no question in Buck Showalter's mind about who the staring second baseman should be come opening day. So far in spring training Kinsler has reached base eight out of the twelve times he has come to the plate. As long as he has a solid spring he should win the job, with Mark DeRosa assuming the utility role once again.

The Rangers also took on the Royals Monday in a "B" game back in Surprise. Kameron Loe made the start and was wild early but settled down to pitch a couple of effective innings before leaving the game after he had reached his pitch count. Laynce Nix also made his spring debut after battling a sore hamstring and collected a double and a walk. The Rangers would go on to win the game 6-3.

> Wednesday, March 8, 2006
Oakland Athletics @ Texas Rangers
2:05, Surprise Stadium, no TV, no radio
Joe Blanton (0-1, 22.50 ERA) vs. Edison Volquez (0-0, 4.50 ERA)