ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Nate Lowe singled with two outs and the bases loaded in the 10th inning, giving the Texas Rangers a 1-0 victory over the Baltimore Orioles on Sunday in a pitcher’s duel between a pair of opening day starters.
The hit ended a five-game home losing streak for the Rangers and capped a wild extra frame that looked it would start with a lead for the Orioles, who dropped to 6-3 on the road.
In the top of the 10th, with automatic runner Maikel Franco on third base and one out, pinch-hitter Trey Mancini lined a one-hopper in front of right fielder Adolis García.
Franco, however, held up near third to make sure the ball fell in and was thrown out at home when Jose Trevino caught García’s one-hop throw just up the line. The Texas catcher collided with Franco almost immediately while staying on his feet.
Franco held his right arm after tumbled to the ground.
“If you’re afraid of contact, find another position other than catcher,” Trevino said. “I played football in high school. It was an accidental collision at the plate, spur of the moment thing. He’s a big dude, but I stayed on my feet.”
Baltimore manager Brandon Hyde had a lengthy discussion with plate umpire Sam Holbrook, and the crew met briefly before play resumed without a replay. Hyde said he wanted the umpires to look at the play. Mancini was credited with a single.
The Baltimore 10th started with Willie Calhoun, who took over in left field after pinch-hitting for Texas, making a diving catch in left-center on a liner by Ryan Mountcastle. Calhoun also had one of the walks in the Texas 10th.
“They played great defense in that top of the 10th, the catch in left-center and then the play in right field,” Hyde said. “Tip your cap to them.”
Franco made a nice tag at third for the…
Leave a Reply