Nick Williams hits 9th inning game-tying home run

Wow. Just when you thought it was just another Saturday in Arizona and just another spring training game a 16-15 game breaks out between division rivals Texas Rangers and Oakland A’s. What a comeback by this probably b or c squad Rangers team. The lineup was missing Prince Fielder, Shin Shoo Choo, Alex Rios, Leonys Martin, Adrian Beltre, and Jurickson Profar or 2/3 of the starting lineup. The only players to make the trip that will likely make the trip to Arlington were Mitch Moreland, Elvis Andrus, Geovanny Soto, and JP Arencibia. Still this team of mostly minor leaguers and non roster invitees were able to overcome some pretty awful pitching and come back to win this game. The word unbelievable doesn’t normally get applied to Spring Training exhibition games, but I believe it does apply here. Down 13-6 heading into the 6th inning the team just perservered and came back to win. So lets take a closer look at this game.

Colby Lewis got the start today and was expected to go 3-4 innings depending on his pitch count. Unfortunately for the Rangers he could not get out the 2nd inning. He just did not have his good stuff today. His fastball velocity wasn’t there and he was leaving it up. He also could not get his curveball over the plate. The A’s were just waiting on his fastball and it led to Brandon Moss and Josh Reddick hitting back-to-back home runs in the second and then after loading the bases on a hit-by-pitch of Josh Donaldson that was it. Rafael Perez came in after that and prevented any further damage. Lot of question marks for Lewis after this one. He has said that he is healthy and he has the support of the organization, but they won’t put him on the roster unless he can perform. Today he just didn’t have it.

Nick Tepesch also didn’t have it. He was able to go 3 innings, but he gave up 7 runs in those 3 innings and also 9 hits. So he was very hittable and with this performance he probably ensured that he will be opening up the season in the Round Rock rotation. I actually expect him to be sent down next week sometime. Tepesch is a guy who just needs to work on his out pitch. He has a great sinker and can get ground balls, but he just needs to be able to put hitters away.

After those two guys left it was 13-6 and it was thought that the players would check out and the Rangers would live to fight another day. That is when it got crazy. The Rangers scored 3 runs in the 6th with all of the starters still in. That was highlighted by consecutive 2 out RBI singles by Elvis Andrus and Mitch Moreland. That made it 13-9. Then in the 7th the craziness continued. Washington took out most of his starters at this point. So, of course the Rangers proceeded to score 5 runs with a lineup mostly consisted of guys who will likely not see Arlington. That inning saw Bryan Peterson and JP Arencibia hit consecutive RBI doubles and then Nick Williams and Robinson Chirinos hit consecutive home runs. Just like that it was 14-13 Rangers. From 13-6 to 14-13. The A’s then followed that up with 2 runs in the 7th inning off of Nick Tepesch. That closed the book on Tepesch. Now it is 15-14 and just when you think it has to be over the 9th inning comes around and Nick Williams leads off with another home run to tie the game. Robinson Chirinos then doubles and is replaced by Adam Rosales on the basepaths. Brent Lillibridge then hits a sac fly to give the Rangers the lead and in the bottom of the inning Roman Mendez closes this crazy afternoon and evening of baseball. What a crazy last 4 innings. The Rangers do win. Often times this Spring they have made the comeback but some reliever will blow the game, this time they held on.

Some notable things from todays game.

– Michael Choice continues to rake. After two hits last night against Johnny Cueto he had two hits including a home run today against the A’s. He is getting very close in my mind to locking down that 4th outfield spot. His defense has been great, but his hitting has been a revelation. He is one of those Spring Training surprise stories. He has definitely earned his spot whether or not they give it to him.

-Nick Williams just WOW. 2 at-bats, 2 home runs, and 3 rbi’s It was his first cactus league game. Last season he was playing in the A-ball with Hickory and has no chance to make this team, I don’t even think he is on the 40 man roster. He is a guy who did make an impression on the team and coaching staff I am sure.

-Outside of Colby Lewis and Nick Tepesch the pitching was great. Those two guys combined to give up 13 runs. The bullpen combination of Rafael Perez, Miles Mickolas, Aaron Poreda, Shawn Tolleson, and Roman Mendez threw 4 2/3 innings and only gave up 2 runs. Those guys made it possible for the Rangers to come back. I don’t know whether any of these guys will make the team, I kind of doubt it. They did pitch well today though. Many of these guys will likely just be sent down to either Round Rock or Frisco this season.

Here are some quotes from the participants in today’s game.

First, Colby Lewis.

The outcome wasn’t very good but I felt like I threw some good pitches. I had a lot more action with my slider than I ever have, my changeup … everything felt sharp.

“If I don’t get outs, it’s not very fair for me to make the ballclub over other guys. Even when I was on the roster, I always felt I had to get outs and prove myself. Hopefully I’ll get a couple of more outings to prove myself.”

Nick Williams

It was awesome. It was my first time in a big league game. I’ve sat the bench but never got to play.”

Michael Choice

This spring has been great. I have been working hard in the cages and on my defense in the outfield and to see things go well in the game is a rewarding feeling.”

Countdown to Opening Day: 15 Days