It was Drew Rucinski's first ever start in the majors and, unfortunately, the Texas Rangers roughed him up as the 26-year-old righty went just 2.2 innings, giving up four runs off of six hits en route to an 8-2 loss in Arlington.
Rougned Odor led off the first inning on a six pitch walk which brought Mitch Moreland to the plate. After Drew Rucinski threw a wild pitch moving Odor to second, Moreland lined a single on the ground up the middle allowing the speedy second baseman to take the early 1-0 lead. In the next inning, Matt Joyce and Mike Trout had a bit of a mix up in the bottom of the second when Joyce ran in front of Trout making the center fielder drop the ball. Two batters were on for Texas, Elvis Andrus and Leonys Martin, off of Robinson Chirinos' bat. Odor came up next and hit the Rangers second double in a row, bringing home Chirinos and extending the lead to four.
Texas would double their lead in the sixth inning plating four more runs. In the second pitch of the at bat, Elvis Andrus would smack a home run just over the left field wall to lead off. Carlos Peguro got hit by a pitch as he was down 0-2 and Martin bounced a line drive right in front of Matt Joyce. Robinson Chirinos then stepped up to the dish and after falling behind in the count, he laced a shot to center field hitting his ball clubs second homer of the evening.
In the top half of the seventh, the Angels would be able to bring a runner home. Chris Iannetta led things off with a single followed up by Collin Cowgill getting on base thanks of a Elvis Andrus throwing error. Johnny Giavotella was up next and he delivered bringing in Iannetta from third base on a sacrifice fly to Carlos Peguero. Mike Scioscia's squad would get just one more run in the ball game and that would come in the next inning. Efren Navarro and Matt Joyce both singled to start the second to last inning. C.J. Cron grounded into a force out but was still able to drive in Navarro.
These two sides will finish off the series tomorrow afternoon at the Ball Park in Arlington with Hector Santiago facing off against Anthony Ranaudo.