Matt Harrison leads the Texas Rangers to 5-3 win over New York Yankees with six double-plays
The Texas Rangers went to Yankees stadium to face their rivals from the 2010 American League Championship on Friday night. While many thought things would heat up at the park, the cold windy weather kept the noise down, as Matt Harrison helped the visitors
to their first win of the series by a 5-3 score line.
With chilly winds blowing, the Rangers’ hurler admitted to feeling cold. Nevertheless, that did not compel him to wear a long sleeve shirt.
"I don't like sleeves," Harrison said. "They get in the way."
The pitcher took on the New York Yankees in his third outing of the season. Fortunately for visiting manager Ron Washington, his side ended a two-game losing streak, as Harrison closed the game with an Earning runs average of 1.29 and a club record of six
double-plays. The ball thrower joked about his achievement, as the Texans brought the Yanks down with a 5–3 score line.
Harrison said, "I'll wear short sleeves every time if we get six double plays."
The ace allowed seven hits and three walks to the Yankees. His only run concession came in the form of a home run from Curtis Granderson, who took the stand in the eighth to get his side back into the game.
The first two double plays went Harrison’s way. Fortunately, he was able to throw the ball successfully to shortstop Elvis Andrus, who had to leap on both occasions to receive the ball for the double plays.
"That was kind of dicey," Harrison told reporters. "The first one ... when I let that go, I thought it was going into centre field. The second one was only a little lower."
Alex Rodriguez brought up the first double play. Batting at an average of .412, Harrison was pushed to a 3–1 pitch, which Yorvit Torrealba suggested should be changed up. Cautiously obliging, Harrison threw the ball and subsequently got the first double
play of the game in the first inning.
"That first inning was the big part of the game," Harrison said. "That could have been bad - start us off behind in the game. It's hard to battle back against these guys, especially at their place."
Harrison now has three wins from as many games. If he plays like this, he could extend his streak beyond 15, by the end of the season.
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