Texas Rangers’ hitters feeling positive as club hosts play-off encounter at home – MLB News
The Texas Rangers were on top of their game when they finished their last series of the regular season with two homers from Mike Napoli on Wednesday, September 28 at Angel Stadium in Anaheim. The Rangers were content with the win as it assured the club will
host their play-off encounter at home, in Rangers Ballpark.
Former Angels’ catcher, Napoli proved a thorn at Anaheim as he punished Garrett Richards and Scott Walden. The Texas star reached 30 homers with his last two-run homer in the ninth that got the Texans to a 3-1 lead over the opposition. The hard hitter has
been an important member of the batting line-up that has availed 30 or more homers.
Ian Kinsler was willing to talk to the press after the game and he expressed his joy at taking the play-off encounter home, in front of the Arlington fans.
"It is nice to know that we are going home and can sleep in our own beds, have a day off," second baseman Ian Kinsler said. "It was ridiculous in the dugout. We sounded like little girls jumping around and screaming."
Texas manager Ron Washington was also lucky to see his squad record the highest wins in franchise history as he plucked 96 victories to end the season on a high note. He was glad to see Napoli in the squad on Wednesday as he was the only hitter to snatch
runs that called the game.
Napoli was available to comment on the game deciding hit he directed against the Angels’ closer, Jordan Walden.
"I was talking to it," Napoli said. "I got into a hitter's count. Walden throws pretty hard. I was just trying to get my barrel out in front a little bit. It was a great feeling. It got us home-field advantage. We are all happy."
With the hitters in top form, there is a tremendous amount of optimism for the Rangers in the post-season as they prepare to face off against the powerful Tampa Bay Rays.
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