It’s that feeling in your chest again. It’s a feeling of pure excitement and you are almost positive that you will burst at any moment. It’s cloudy. It’s humid. Parking is $12. People have already been drinking well before the gates open at 10 AM. It’s Opening Day at the Ranger’s Ballpark in Arlington. Can you think of a better reason to skip school?

The ace of the team was dealt to the O’s, a surprising annoncement was made concerning the manager, a Ranger killer now dons the TEXAS across the front of his Jersey. Bad changes. Good changes. Either way there is still promise.

The day began at the Home Plate entrance where I was rudely shoved (intentionally) by an elderly usher. That, I hoped, wasn’t going to be a sign of the coming game.

Ranger fans are spolied when it comes to the long ball and we know it. Everbody knows Josh Hamilton can the ball. Far. While in the cage , he hit two or three bombs to the second deck of the home-run porch in right field. Vladimir Guerrero also hit to the grassy hill (Greene’s Hill) out in center. We all know he could hit against the Rangers. Let’s hope he can hit for them.I’m just glad he’s no longer with the Angels anymore. Nelson Cruz knocked a ball to left field where it bounced off the second deck. We’re looking forward to seeing what more damage he can manage this season.

To the Game!:

I should make a note of the temperature. Last year’s Opening Day against the Cleveland Indians was FREEZING. I lost my voice the next day as well as for the rest of the week. I also had obtained pink-eye from the ballpark but that has nothing to do with the weather.

Scott Feldman was the opening day starter for the Rangers. Feldman, who got an extension on his contract, was a 17 game winner last season. Everybody has high expectations for him. How can you not?

The top of the first was a tough one. After a pop up and a ground out, Toronto’s Adam Lind singled. Followed by that was a homer by Vernon Wells. Lyle Overbay would be safe as Andres Blanco, filing in for Ian Kinsler who is on the DL, made an error.

His name was Shaun Marcum.

As the first pitcher other that Roy Halladay to start for the Jay’s in 8 years, Marcum had an incredible load to carry.
The bottom of the inning was dry. In the Bottom of the second as his first official at-bat as a Ranger, Vlad Guerrero was hit by a pitch. In the 3rd, Adam Lind homered.

During the middle of the seventh inning and what would of been the highlight of the game for Ranger fans, a guy jumped on to the field form center. He ran in to the infield, slid into second base right in front of Aaron Hill. Eventually he was tackled on the mound.
Marcum had a no-hitter going until the 7th inning.

AP

But in the bottom of the inning, Josh Hamiltion managed a walk. That walk was followed by a Vlad single and then we were saved. Nelly Cruz homered and the game was tied! The excitement was short lived as Neftali Feliz, the 100 MPH fastball thrower, was less than stellar. Bautista drew a walk, Hill doubled, and then Adam Lind was intentionally walked. Vernon Wells singled and the game was 4-3.Former Ranger yet again a Ranger Darren Oliver came out and then Overbay struck out and John Buck flied out. Downs was in for Marcum in the bottom of the 8th. Marcum did an amazing job and Jays fans can expect the best from their starter.
With hopes everything but dead, the sold-out crowd cheered until the end ’cause it’s not over ’til WE say it’s over. Frasor was in for Downs.Michael Young doubled to start the late inning rally. Hamilton was called out on a low strike. Guerrero singled. Nelson Cruz dobled , Young scored and the game was TIED. David Murphy was running for Guerrero and Chris Davis was intentionally walked. It was Jarrod Saltalamacchia’s turn to be the hero.He singled and Murphy scored. WIN !!!!!
AP

WHAT A WAY TO START THE SEASON OFF!

Winner: Frankie Francisco
Loser: Jason Frasor

This season is sure to be the best yet.

It was the worst of ballgames and it was the worst of ballgames.