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This is Retro Sports Radio. Visit RetroSeasons.com for more sports history.

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The Houston Astros faced the Texas Rangers for a spring training game at Driller Park in Tulsa, Oklahoma on April 2nd, 1978.

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Houston was a perennial 500 team managed by Bill Verdon in his fourth year with the Astros.

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Texas was looking to improve upon its surprising 1977 season when it finished with 94 wins despite churning through four managers.

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They finally settled on Billy Hunter who led the Rangers to a 60-33 run to finish the 1977 season.

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This audio recording is from the Rangers radio broadcast featuring announcers Bill Merrill and John Miller.

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The Rangers with the Astros brainstorming their ways back to Texas playing Friday night in Baton Rouge, Louisiana with Texas winning that one 7-5.

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Playing yesterday in Little Rock, Arkansas with Houston coming out on top 8-1.

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Today in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Tomorrow they'll be in San Antonio.

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But for us, the final radio broadcast of the springtime will next see you on opening day next Saturday when the Rangers started off against the New York Yankees.

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Right now let's pause for station identification. This is the Texas Rangers baseball network.

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WBAP 820, Fort Worth, D.M. Monday and Tuesday are Ranger Pever Nights at the Sunset.

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3608 South Cooper, Arlington. The Sunset.

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Today we're going to get a look at a couple of rotation pictures for each of these ball clubs.

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Doc Ellis will be going for the Texas Rangers, his final outing of the springtime as it looks like, well, he might get a little bit more work on Wednesday

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against the University of Texas depending on when they use him over the weekend.

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Otherwise this would be his final major tune-up. And he'll be opposed by Phil Necrow, the knuckleballer, the younger brother.

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Well, I said Phil Necrow, didn't I? Joe Necrow, the younger brother of Phil, they both throw the knuckleball and they both have the same last name.

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And in fact, last year they both threw the knuckleball with about equal effectiveness as Joe had the best year of his career.

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And as I said, just all of a sudden he learned how to control the knuckleball and in the springtime of 1978, according to his manager Bill Verdon,

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he's been getting hitters out more easily, more consistently than Verdon can recall in the recent past.

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We'll be back to take a look at these starting lineups for the ballgames today when we continue in 60 seconds.

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Boy, you feel proud when you got a truck you know is really built to stay tough. It's a riding high feeling all the way.

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You'll see tough trucks from Chevrolet.

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Tough trucks for tough customers like you. Chevy Fleetside Pickups. Tough in the right places.

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Built with double steel walls in vital areas. Massive girder beam front suspension on two-wheel drive models.

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Brake systems computer matched to the GVW of the truck you ordered.

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And for the first time, diesel power is available in C10 Chevy Pickups.

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Stuff 78 Chevy trucks. See them at your Chevy dealers right now.

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Boy, you feel proud when you got a truck you know is really built to stay tough. It's a riding high feeling all the way.

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You'll see tough trucks from Chevrolet.

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The Texas Rangers come into the ballgame today with a springtime record of 13 wins and 8 defeats.

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The Houston Astros come in 9 wins and 10 losses.

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And they have split as we mentioned the two ballgames played against each other the last couple of nights.

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The starting lineup for the Houston Astros which is being administered at the home plate area right now by manager Bill Verdon

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who's there with Billy Hunter of the Rangers and the umpires for the ballgame for Houston.

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Terry Poole will lead off in center field.

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He'll probably begin the season though in left field. Today in center.

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At third base batting second, Enos Cabell.

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Hitting third and acting as the designated hitter, Cesar Cedeno.

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Cesar has had chronic knee problems. He said that the knee has been hurting in the last three or four days.

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And he has played this entire series as the designated hitter.

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Hitting clean up in right field, Jose Cruz.

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Batting fifth at first base, the man to be named later, Dave Bergman formerly in the Yankee organization.

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Part of the deal that sent Cliff Johnson to New York.

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Bergman batting fifth in left field.

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Batting sixth, Dennis Walling acquired from the Oakland A's by Texas in spring training by Houston in spring training of last year.

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At second base batting seventh, Art Howell.

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He'll be the opening day second baseman for the Astros.

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The catcher batting eighth, Ed Herman.

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Former American Liger.

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At a shortstop batting ninth, Jimmy Sexton.

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He and Roger Metzger in a battle for that opening day assignment, although Metzger, the veteran, probably has the inside track.

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Pitching for the Astros today will be Joe Necro. He was 13 and 8 last year.

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Got fired down the stretch when 10 of his last 13 decisions.

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For the Texas Rangers now, at first base leading off Mike Hargrove.

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A few minutes after Bill taped the pregame interview with him, he was taking some infield grounders hit by Coach Pat Corrales.

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And the infield is a bit rough here.

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Ball took a high hop and hit him right in the face, just below the left eye.

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And he immediately fell to the ground and everything stopped.

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All of a sudden, as well you might guess, everybody ran to his side to see how he was.

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He was just a little bit stunned and he will be playing the ball game.

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And he says it smarts a little bit when you put your finger to it, just under the left eye, but there is no noticeable bruise there.

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That is good news.

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The infield, however, is a bit treacherous.

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Toby Harra is at third base.

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In left field, batting third, Al Oliver.

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The designated hitter today is John Lowenstein.

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As Richie's is, came up sick just a while before game time.

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Hitting fifth in right field, Claudel Washington.

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In center field, Juan Benekes, who was muscling up in batting practice.

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He lost about eight or nine balls over the left field barrier today.

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At second base, Bump Wills, batting seventh.

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At shortstop, Bert Campi-Campanaris.

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And the catcher, the team's most valuable player last year, is voted by the Dallas Fort Worth baseball writers, Jim Sundberg.

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And on the mound, taking his warmups now, is Doc Ellis.

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Doc, whom we had on the radio pregame show yesterday, making his sixth appearance, he's one-one, lost down to the 3.0 earned run average.

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And right now, here's the playing of our national anthem.

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The National Anthem.

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The National Anthem.

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We are in Willard Ballpark today in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

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And despite the inclement weather and the forecasts for the same, the crowd today is pretty good.

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Doc Ellis is taking his warmups now. Doc is at a very good springtime.

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And he has been enjoying to be around all spring north for the Texas Rangers.

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He has led the charge onto the field for all of the laps that the pitchers run every day during the springtime.

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Although Doc told us yesterday, he says, I'm the first out there. I'll lead everybody out and take their laps, but I'm the last one to take it.

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Doc Ellis out of bounds, Jim Sundberg is the catcher. Mike Hargrove at first base, Bump Wills at second base.

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Kambi Kambineris at short, Toby Herra at third. The outfield is Al Oliver, Juan Beníquez, and Claudel Washington from left to right.

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The umpiring alignment for the ballgame today from the National League, Joe West, back of home plate.

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He's the man who gave Toby Herra the heave-ho yesterday in a very strange situation.

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Al Clark at the American League at first base, National Leaguer Eric Gregg at second, and American Leaguer Derwood Merrill is at third base.

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Terry Poole, left-handed swinger to start it off for the Astros. 278 hitter in the springtime. He swings at Ellis' first offering and foul tips it 0-1.

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Driller Park measures 330 down each foul line, 370 to the power alleys in left and right center, and 390 to dead straightaway center.

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One strike pitch, curve, swinging strike two. Outfield plays Poole around toward right.

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It's a big fence with advertisements all over the wooden structures. Two strike pitch, curve, got him looking.

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Doc put a curve ball over the outside corner at the knees and gets him on three pitches. One gun, and that'll bring up Enos Cabell.

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Ellis has pitched in 15 innings. He's allowed 22 base hits, but only seven runs and five of those turns, five walks, and seven strikeouts.

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His last outing was Wednesday at West Palm Beach, Florida against the Atlanta Braves.

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Here's the pitch to the big right-handed swinger Cabell. A slider, swinging strike, it's on one. Sadak is throwing four pitches off his strikes.

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Outfield is deep for Cabell. Fastball chopper, third base side, Toby Harrah charges, fields, throws, and has him at first.

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So five pitches and two men gone, and Doc is throwing five strikes, and that brings up Cesar Cedeno.

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Cedeno hitting 350 for the spring, and he's had a good couple of ball games against the Texas Rangers.

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Had a couple of hits Friday night in Baton Rouge, and he had a couple of hits yesterday against Texas.

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Left the ball game yesterday in the eighth inning. When sliding into third, he claimed that his knee was hurting him again.

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He swings, lines one, third base line, fair ball, heading down into the left field corner.

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Oliver over to cut it off, but Cesar Cedeno will lope easily into second base with a stand-up double.

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Cedeno went after the first pitch and shot it right down the third base line and into the left field corner.

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So with two outs, the Astros get their first base hit and a chance to get the game's first run as clean-up batter Jose Cruz will stand in.

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Cruz has had a fine springtime, hitting 371 for the Astros. He hit 299 last year with 17 home runs so he can hit.

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Left-handed swinger, curve in the dirt, Sundberg blocks it on the inside, ball one.

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That's the first pitch. The doc is thrown out of the strike zone.

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Texas players, or the Houston players, are really unhappy about the barnstorming aspect of the concluding portion of spring training.

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Ellis throws low ball, too.

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In fact, the Texas players aren't too wild about it, but it's especially difficult for Houston because the Astros, after spending all of this time on the road with one night, one day stands,

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will then head off after an exhibition Wednesday to open up the season in Cincinnati on Thursday.

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Ellis hits the outside corner with a strike, two and one.

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Tomorrow the two teams will play in San Antonio. Tuesday they'll be in the Astrodome for a doubleheader.

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Both clubs will face a college team in each end of the doubleheader.

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Then Wednesday, Texas plays in Austin against the University of Texas while Houston goes up to College Station to meet Texas A&M.

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Here's a swing and a drive down the right field line, but it's curving foul into the corner.

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So the count decrues two balls, two strikes. Two outs, runner at second. We're in the top of the first, just underway from Tulsa, Oklahoma.

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But the Texas Rangers, after playing in Austin on Wednesday, will then return to the Metroplex area and have two days off before they open the season on Saturday against the Yankees.

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But the Astros, after playing Wednesday in College Station, will then take a plane to Cincinnati and open up the very next afternoon against the Reds.

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Two-two pitch, fastball sprayed down the left field line, but it's also a hooking foul.

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Two balls, two strikes.

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On deck, Dave Bergman. He'd get a chance to swing here if Cruz can keep it alive.

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Astros are missing two of their bigger hitters today. Both sent back to Houston yesterday for X-rays.

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Catcher Joe Ferguson and Bob Watson. Fastball tails away from the left-handed swinger. The count goes full, three and two.

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Ferguson injured himself Friday night in Baton Rouge, going after a wild pitch. He slid into the backstop.

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Bob Watson was injured in the first inning of the ballgame Friday. Ellis delivers a fastball inside and high. He misses ball four.

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First walk of the day by Doc, and so the Astros now have something going with two down, runners at first and second, and Dave Bergman.

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Bergman, having a miserable time in the spring, 166 average.

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Even though Terry Poole appeared the heir apparent for left field to start the season, after a very fine half a year last year,

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they decided to give Bergman a shot at it, but Poole has won that job out and out. Curve misses outside, ball one.

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As Poole has had a pretty good spring, and Dave Bergman is only six for 36. Does have two home runs out of those six hits.

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Big, good-looking left-handed swinger. Fastball, it's fouled at the plate. Back to the screen, count one ball, one strike.

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Bergman played in Syracuse last year, triple-A ball, the International League at the Yankees Farm Club.

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He had a 3-12 batting average with 16 home runs and stole 29 bases.

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Pretty good credentials for the International League. One-one pitch, high curve, misses wide, two balls and a strike.

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No wonder they gave him a shot.

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Astros have a lot of speed and they rely on that speed because they do not have a whole lot of power.

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Ellis into the stretch, runners with their leads, two-one delivery. Curve on the outside corner for strike two.

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Good pitch to a left-handed hitter as Doc put the ball outside as though it were going to miss outside and then the ball curled in over the outside corner at the last moment.

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Two-and-two, Ellis at the belt, fastball outside, three-and-two. So two down here in the first, the runners will be moving with this one.

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Sedeno at second, he got a double with two down. Jose Cruz at first, both of them can fly. Ellis at the belt, the runners go, the pitch, curve, whoa, he walked him.

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So Sedeno lopes into third base, Cruz goes over to second and so now with two outs, the Astros have him loaded.

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That will bring up Dennis Walling. Jim Sundberg is out to talk to Doc Ellis here.

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Walling was acquired from the Oakland A's last June, actually, in exchange for Willie Crawford.

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He had been the A's number one pick in the June 1975 free agent draft.

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He played last year mostly in Charleston with a.348 batting average and in six games for the Astros at the end of the season at.286.

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Left-handed swingers, bases are loaded. Runners lead, Ellis for the windup, misses outside with a curveball.

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One ball, no strikes. He got Terry Poole on three pitches on a called third strike.

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Cabell grounded out, but then Sedeno doubled and Cruz and Bergman have walked.

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Here's the pitch, pouncer up the middle, fielded by Cabaneras at second.

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He shovels it under and a bump will covering at second for the fours out on Bergman.

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And the Rangers are out of trouble in hitting number one.

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For the Astros, no runs, one hit and three men left on the base, fans.

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They go to the last of the first. Houston, nothing, Texas coming up.

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Boy, it's really exciting being here at the NB 500. What do they call this place?

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The cafeteria. Really? You new here? How can you tell?

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You're wearing your racing helmet. I'm practicing.

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During lunch? Practice makes perfect. Would you pass the salt?

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Sure. So what are you driving this year?

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What do you think of that? You're driving a piece of paper?

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That's my Champion Indy 500 Sweepstakes entry form. You can eat that roll.

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Eventually. Oh. Well Champion has won at Indy 38 times, and this year they're giving me the chance to win with a winner.

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To be eligible, all I do is pick a winner and fill out the entry form.

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I noticed you filled it out in crayon. Mom won't let me have any sharp objects.

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Put down that spoon of champ.

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For the first time in the history of the Indy 500, you have a chance to share in the excitement of winning at Indy.

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Champion's Indy 500 Sweepstakes.

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Anyone who is 16 or older is eligible to win prizes totaling $250,000 with a first prize of $25,000.

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No purchase necessary. Details and entry forms at participating Champion spark plug retailers.

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Offer void were prohibited by law.

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Joe Nicrow, right hander on the mound, a pitch for the Houston Astros, setting the Astros defensively.

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Nicrow on the mound, Ed Herman the catcher at first base, Dave Bergman, Art Howe at second base, Jimmy Sexton at shortstop,

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Enos Cabell at third, the outfield from left to right, Dennis Walling, Terry Poole, and Jose Cruz.

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Nicrow, a veteran from Martins Ferry, Ohio, and he is now 33 years of age.

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As we mentioned, the younger brother of Atlanta's Phil Nicrow, last year all of a sudden things started going right for him.

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He won 13, he lost 8, and his earned run average was 3.03. That was ninth best in the National League.

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Started the season last year as the long reliever, then was, in June, moved into the short release spot when Ken Horsch was injured.

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He won two and saved two there in about two weeks.

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And then in late July he became a starter and finished up nine wins and five losses as a starter.

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44 games overall, and in his 14 games as a starter he had nine complete games.

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In 181 innings he allowed only 155 hits, so all the way down the line his statistics were very impressive.

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And he credits it to just being able to master the knuckleball.

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Mike Hargrove steps in, there's the knuckler outside, ball one.

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In the American League, outside of Wilbur Wood, you really don't have a guy who throws a knuckleball with regularity.

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Outside, ball two, two and oh.

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00:20:26,000 --> 00:20:31,000
If Wilbur Wood is able to make a comeback this year, that's going to be good news for the White Sox.

191
00:20:31,000 --> 00:20:35,000
Bad news for guys who have trouble with the knuckleball.

192
00:20:35,000 --> 00:20:40,000
Here's the lineup and the two-oh pitch. Down the middle for a strike and it's two and one.

193
00:20:40,000 --> 00:20:46,000
Ed Herman, the backup catcher, catching today with Ferguson back in Houston with an injury.

194
00:20:46,000 --> 00:20:52,000
Herman probably thought he was all through with the knuckleball after leaving the White Sox, but here he is again.

195
00:20:52,000 --> 00:20:58,000
Two-one pitch, dips over the inside corner for strike two, two and two.

196
00:20:58,000 --> 00:21:05,000
Hargrove hitting 255 in spring training.

197
00:21:05,000 --> 00:21:10,000
Two home runs, six runs batted in.

198
00:21:10,000 --> 00:21:14,000
Two-two pitch, misses high, three and two.

199
00:21:14,000 --> 00:21:16,000
Hargrove has walked 10 times this year.

200
00:21:16,000 --> 00:21:19,000
Toby Harrah has walked 18 times.

201
00:21:19,000 --> 00:21:24,000
The Astros are averaging more than four walks per game as a team.

202
00:21:24,000 --> 00:21:27,000
The Rangers averaging more than four walks as a team.

203
00:21:27,000 --> 00:21:30,000
Three-two pitch, swung on and high in the air down the right field line.

204
00:21:30,000 --> 00:21:34,000
That's drifting off into foul ground and back out of play.

205
00:21:34,000 --> 00:21:39,000
Dave Bergman with a long run for that one and right fielder Jose Cruz, but nobody could get to it.

206
00:21:39,000 --> 00:21:42,000
So the count hangs on, three balls, two strikes.

207
00:21:42,000 --> 00:21:44,000
Connie Ryan is coaching at third base.

208
00:21:44,000 --> 00:21:52,000
Fred Koenig is coaching at first for the Rangers.

209
00:21:52,000 --> 00:21:58,000
The grass here, there is grass, but it appears to be mostly dead.

210
00:21:58,000 --> 00:22:08,000
As the cold weather here has not allowed it to blossom into its full rich green color.

211
00:22:08,000 --> 00:22:15,000
Not by a long shot, three-two pitch, he threw the fastball and got him swinging.

212
00:22:15,000 --> 00:22:20,000
So Necro after six straight knuckleballs goes to the fastball and blows it by him.

213
00:22:20,000 --> 00:22:22,000
That will bring up Toby Harrah.

214
00:22:22,000 --> 00:22:28,000
That's one thing Wilbur Wood really can't do to you is throw a hard fastball by you.

215
00:22:28,000 --> 00:22:32,000
Necro has a pretty good fastball.

216
00:22:32,000 --> 00:22:34,000
It looks even faster after you've seen a lot of knuckleballs.

217
00:22:34,000 --> 00:22:38,000
Here's Toby Harrah, knuckleball for a strike, knee high on one.

218
00:22:38,000 --> 00:22:42,000
Harrah got tossed out of the ball game yesterday at Little Rock.

219
00:22:42,000 --> 00:22:45,000
This play you won't see very often.

220
00:22:45,000 --> 00:22:48,000
One strike pitch, low for a ball.

221
00:22:48,000 --> 00:22:53,000
In a three-two pitch he had a trick swing and the umpire said low ball forward.

222
00:22:53,000 --> 00:22:55,000
He trotted down to first base.

223
00:22:55,000 --> 00:22:58,000
One-one pitch, swung on, bounced to third base side.

224
00:22:58,000 --> 00:22:59,000
Cabell cuts across to his left field.

225
00:22:59,000 --> 00:23:03,000
It hurries, got him at first base.

226
00:23:03,000 --> 00:23:08,000
Two-Gon and Al Oliver will bat here in the last of the first scoreless ball game from Tulsa.

227
00:23:08,000 --> 00:23:16,000
But Harrah got all the way to first base and all of a sudden the Astros started throwing the ball around the infield.

228
00:23:16,000 --> 00:23:21,000
Then we looked over to first base and Toby was arguing with the umpire Joe West.

229
00:23:21,000 --> 00:23:27,000
And apparently the Astros had made a belated appeal play and Joe West said yes, he swung at it.

230
00:23:27,000 --> 00:23:28,000
He's out.

231
00:23:28,000 --> 00:23:31,000
Here's a fastball to Oliver for a strike, going on.

232
00:23:31,000 --> 00:23:38,000
Harrah argued with a call, said something that Joe West took umbrage with and West tossed him out.

233
00:23:38,000 --> 00:23:41,000
Here's a knuckler and Oliver fouls it back to the screen, 0-2.

234
00:23:41,000 --> 00:23:43,000
That one broke in about two feet on him.

235
00:23:43,000 --> 00:23:47,000
Looked like it was headed for the outside corner and almost hit him in the wrist.

236
00:23:47,000 --> 00:23:49,000
0-2 the cat.

237
00:23:49,000 --> 00:23:53,000
The reason it was so strange was because the appeal came so late.

238
00:23:53,000 --> 00:24:01,000
Two strike pitch, shot down the right field line and it's curving foul into the corner.

239
00:24:01,000 --> 00:24:04,000
Count remains, no balls, two strikes to Oliver.

240
00:24:04,000 --> 00:24:07,000
Two outs, nobody on in the bottom of the first.

241
00:24:07,000 --> 00:24:10,000
Generally you have that appeal play and they ask for it automatically.

242
00:24:10,000 --> 00:24:19,000
They play umpire, points down to either the first or third base umpire depending on who's up and gets the call immediately.

243
00:24:19,000 --> 00:24:22,000
Here's a two strike pitch to Oliver.

244
00:24:22,000 --> 00:24:24,000
Knuckleball high, a ball and two strikes.

245
00:24:24,000 --> 00:24:29,000
In fact the two American League umpires working this series have been traveling with the Rangers

246
00:24:29,000 --> 00:24:34,000
and both of them thought it was sort of an odd thing to happen.

247
00:24:34,000 --> 00:24:37,000
Here's a swing, bounce or foul just outside of first.

248
00:24:37,000 --> 00:24:39,000
One ball, two strikes.

249
00:24:39,000 --> 00:24:48,000
Of course they also said everybody knows that there are no good umpires in the National League anyway.

250
00:24:48,000 --> 00:24:55,000
Here's a one-two pitch, swung out and lifted high in the air into short left field.

251
00:24:55,000 --> 00:24:59,000
Sexton the shortstop goes out but now the left field are walling in to make the catch.

252
00:24:59,000 --> 00:25:02,000
Then the Rangers go down one, two, three.

253
00:25:02,000 --> 00:25:06,000
After one inning from Tulsa, Oklahoma, Texas nothing, Houston nothing.

254
00:25:06,000 --> 00:25:18,000
The day is done, it's time to let it go, it's the moment to unwind.

255
00:25:18,000 --> 00:25:29,000
So dance a bird and pour the king of beers and settle back and please yourself.

256
00:25:29,000 --> 00:25:43,000
No matter what you do, no matter when or where, you know a glass of blood is like an easy chair.

257
00:25:43,000 --> 00:25:48,000
When you say bird, wild bird.

258
00:25:48,000 --> 00:25:51,000
Hey, let me tell you something.

259
00:25:51,000 --> 00:25:57,000
Selling back with a long day behind you and a cold blood in front of you, my man that's living.

260
00:25:57,000 --> 00:26:07,000
When you say bird, wild bird, you say it all and I the Bush St. Louis.

261
00:26:07,000 --> 00:26:14,000
A reminder fans that the Dan Dipert Travel Company cooperating with the Texas Rangers Baseball Network wants to take you out to the ball game in Yankee Stadium.

262
00:26:14,000 --> 00:26:18,000
May the 5th through the 7th, flight of New York C-3 Yankee Ranger games.

263
00:26:18,000 --> 00:26:24,000
Stay in the Chariton Hotel and enjoy other extras provided for the whole per person cost of $319.

264
00:26:24,000 --> 00:26:29,000
A limited number of reservations will go very fast so get to the details and sign up today.

265
00:26:29,000 --> 00:26:34,000
Call 265-2236 in Arlington for a complete itinerary.

266
00:26:34,000 --> 00:26:38,000
That's 265-2236 in Arlington to get the itinerary.

267
00:26:38,000 --> 00:26:41,000
They will look for you at Yankee Stadium, that will be a lot of fun.

268
00:26:41,000 --> 00:26:46,000
It will be a lot of fun this weekend at Arlington Stadium, the brand new Arlington Stadium.

269
00:26:46,000 --> 00:26:51,000
I had a brief opportunity to view the stadium a couple of weeks ago.

270
00:26:51,000 --> 00:26:55,000
And I tell you it's worth the trip out there just to take a look at the new ballpark.

271
00:26:55,000 --> 00:26:57,000
It's a beauty.

272
00:26:57,000 --> 00:27:02,000
We go to the second inning leading off for the Astros is Art Howe and he takes low and outside ball one.

273
00:27:02,000 --> 00:27:04,000
Art Howe, Ed Herman, Jimmy Sexton.

274
00:27:04,000 --> 00:27:07,000
The 7-8-9 spots in the Astros batting order.

275
00:27:07,000 --> 00:27:12,000
Here's a swing, two hopper to third, Harrah to his right, fields a deep long throw, got him at first.

276
00:27:12,000 --> 00:27:19,000
One out and let's pause now 10 seconds for station identification.

277
00:27:19,000 --> 00:27:22,000
This is the Texas Rangers Baseball Network.

278
00:27:22,000 --> 00:27:24,000
WBAPA-20, Fort Worth Dallas.

279
00:27:24,000 --> 00:27:30,000
George Goebel says save now on Demco Posture Mattress and Box Spring sets at Miles Furniture, Corsicana, Texas.

280
00:27:30,000 --> 00:27:34,000
Ed Herman.

281
00:27:34,000 --> 00:27:36,000
Ed had a couple of base hits yesterday.

282
00:27:36,000 --> 00:27:39,000
He's had a fine springtime hitting 421.

283
00:27:39,000 --> 00:27:41,000
Takes low and inside ball one.

284
00:27:41,000 --> 00:27:46,000
In fact, Herman got a big bases loaded single against Jim Umbarger.

285
00:27:46,000 --> 00:27:49,000
Drove home a couple of runs in the eighth inning yesterday.

286
00:27:49,000 --> 00:27:55,000
Curve ball, bounced foul outside of first, one ball, one strike.

287
00:27:55,000 --> 00:28:05,000
They had walked a man ahead of Herman, a right-handed batter with first base open to get to Herman and he just swatted one right through the open hole on the right side of the infield.

288
00:28:05,000 --> 00:28:09,000
Two runs as easy as could be.

289
00:28:09,000 --> 00:28:14,000
They list Herman at 210. You think he's 210?

290
00:28:14,000 --> 00:28:17,000
That one is 10 years old.

291
00:28:17,000 --> 00:28:19,000
Here's a swing, high chopper, right side of the infield.

292
00:28:19,000 --> 00:28:20,000
Ellis can't get it.

293
00:28:20,000 --> 00:28:26,000
Will's charges, fields, throws, got him at first base.

294
00:28:26,000 --> 00:28:28,000
Nice play by Bump Wills.

295
00:28:28,000 --> 00:28:35,000
Nicely done by Bump Wills as Herman is not the swiftest man from home plate to first.

296
00:28:35,000 --> 00:28:38,000
It's not that swift from first base back to the dugout, really.

297
00:28:38,000 --> 00:28:40,000
Number 24, the Houston Joint Staff.

298
00:28:40,000 --> 00:28:46,000
He does look a little better than he has in the past, trimmed down a little bit.

299
00:28:46,000 --> 00:28:51,000
The press guy lists him at 210 and, well, you know, we'll give him the benefit of the doubt.

300
00:28:51,000 --> 00:28:54,000
There's a curve for a strike to Jimmy Sexton.

301
00:28:54,000 --> 00:28:58,000
Sexton hitting 222 in the springtime.

302
00:28:58,000 --> 00:29:02,000
Right-handed swinger, a rookie, stole 52 bases in the Mino Legs last year.

303
00:29:02,000 --> 00:29:04,000
Ellis misses with a slider.

304
00:29:04,000 --> 00:29:06,000
One ball, one strike.

305
00:29:06,000 --> 00:29:10,000
Sexton given a chance to win that shortstop job.

306
00:29:10,000 --> 00:29:14,000
It was acquired from the Seattle Mariners for Leon Roberts back in December.

307
00:29:14,000 --> 00:29:16,000
He swings, looper, center field.

308
00:29:16,000 --> 00:29:19,000
It's going to fall in front of Benekes' base hit.

309
00:29:19,000 --> 00:29:22,000
And it hits something out there, a rock or a weed or something,

310
00:29:22,000 --> 00:29:28,000
and Benekes has to pull to his right a couple of steps to pick it up.

311
00:29:28,000 --> 00:29:31,000
So with two outs, the Astros get another base hit.

312
00:29:31,000 --> 00:29:34,000
And they swing back to the top of the batting order for Terry Poole.

313
00:29:34,000 --> 00:29:37,000
He's struck out looking his first time.

314
00:29:37,000 --> 00:29:39,000
Sexton is a threat to steal.

315
00:29:39,000 --> 00:29:45,000
And as we mentioned, stole 52 bases for San Jose or the Coast League last year.

316
00:29:45,000 --> 00:29:50,000
Seventy-five in Shreveporty at 48 stolen bases.

317
00:29:50,000 --> 00:29:52,000
Played 14 games for Seattle last year.

318
00:29:52,000 --> 00:29:54,000
It hit 216.

319
00:29:54,000 --> 00:30:00,000
Here's Poole, fastball low and inside, ball one.

320
00:30:00,000 --> 00:30:02,000
One ball and no strikes.

321
00:30:02,000 --> 00:30:05,000
Mike Ellis, 10-6 for the Rangers last year.

322
00:30:05,000 --> 00:30:13,000
Most Ranger fans certainly know how well he pitched when coming over from the Oakland A's.

323
00:30:13,000 --> 00:30:14,000
He's into his stretch.

324
00:30:14,000 --> 00:30:15,000
Hargrove holds against Sexton.

325
00:30:15,000 --> 00:30:16,000
Sexton runs.

326
00:30:16,000 --> 00:30:17,000
The pitch is low.

327
00:30:17,000 --> 00:30:18,000
The throw to second is right there.

328
00:30:18,000 --> 00:30:20,000
Out at second base.

329
00:30:20,000 --> 00:30:23,000
Sunberg threw his strike shin high.

330
00:30:23,000 --> 00:30:27,000
And Campanaro just put his love down and the runners went right into it.

331
00:30:27,000 --> 00:30:29,000
So that's all in the second for the Astros.

332
00:30:29,000 --> 00:30:31,000
No runs, one hit, and nobody left.

333
00:30:31,000 --> 00:30:33,000
We're going to the last of the second.

334
00:30:33,000 --> 00:30:35,000
Texas nothing, Houston nothing.

335
00:30:35,000 --> 00:30:38,000
Our guest today is Judge J. Norbert Tierney.

336
00:30:38,000 --> 00:30:39,000
How long have you been on the bench, sir?

337
00:30:39,000 --> 00:30:41,000
Ever since you said sit down, we'll be right on the air.

338
00:30:41,000 --> 00:30:43,000
I meant how long have you been a judge?

339
00:30:43,000 --> 00:30:45,000
Oh, I see, 52 years.

340
00:30:45,000 --> 00:30:46,000
Could you tell us your most memorable moment?

341
00:30:46,000 --> 00:30:49,000
11.30 a.m. March 4th, 1924.

342
00:30:49,000 --> 00:30:50,000
What happened at 11.20?

343
00:30:50,000 --> 00:30:54,000
Well, we broke for recess, see, and I had a dandy spiced luncheon meat sandwich.

344
00:30:54,000 --> 00:30:55,000
Spiced luncheon meat?

345
00:30:55,000 --> 00:30:58,000
One of the many delicious lunch meats made by Becker Meats of Texas.

346
00:30:58,000 --> 00:31:00,000
With a pickle loaf, the chopped ham's wonderful.

347
00:31:00,000 --> 00:31:02,000
I am interested in your most difficult decision as a judge.

348
00:31:02,000 --> 00:31:03,000
That's what I'm telling you.

349
00:31:03,000 --> 00:31:06,000
See, I couldn't decide between the Becker cooked ham and the bologna,

350
00:31:06,000 --> 00:31:07,000
so I decided on the spiced luncheon.

351
00:31:07,000 --> 00:31:09,000
What about precedents and rulings?

352
00:31:09,000 --> 00:31:10,000
Well, I could tell you one ruling.

353
00:31:10,000 --> 00:31:11,000
Oh, good.

354
00:31:11,000 --> 00:31:13,000
Every precedent should serve Becker beef frankfurters

355
00:31:13,000 --> 00:31:14,000
because they're so juicy and tasty.

356
00:31:14,000 --> 00:31:15,000
Sir, what about cases?

357
00:31:15,000 --> 00:31:17,000
Oh, you can buy Becker by the case,

358
00:31:17,000 --> 00:31:19,000
but the jumbo frank comes into the package, and that's all I have.

359
00:31:19,000 --> 00:31:21,000
Well, folks are dedicated to Becker,

360
00:31:21,000 --> 00:31:24,000
because Becker has been dedicated to quantity since 1899.

361
00:31:24,000 --> 00:31:28,000
Becker meats are available in fine markets in your area.

362
00:31:28,000 --> 00:31:30,000
Remember, Driller Park is for all of Texas,

363
00:31:30,000 --> 00:31:33,000
and you can show your support for Chelsea and the Virginia baseball

364
00:31:33,000 --> 00:31:35,000
and all of the internet play here in Driller Park.

365
00:31:35,000 --> 00:31:38,000
It'll all get started this Saturday in Arlington Stadium, April the 8th.

366
00:31:38,000 --> 00:31:41,000
The world champion Yankees and the Texas Rangers,

367
00:31:41,000 --> 00:31:45,000
the United States Navy Band will be on hand to help us open the new stadium

368
00:31:45,000 --> 00:31:48,000
and also to welcome NBC and a national television audience.

369
00:31:48,000 --> 00:31:52,000
The 78th season, of course, could well be the most exciting in ranger history.

370
00:31:52,000 --> 00:31:54,000
So be on hand Saturday, April the 8th.

371
00:31:54,000 --> 00:31:57,000
There are still some general admission tickets remaining.

372
00:31:57,000 --> 00:32:01,000
And don't forget, two more ballgames in that series, Sunday and Monday.

373
00:32:01,000 --> 00:32:04,000
You won't want to miss any of them. Sunday afternoon and Monday night.

374
00:32:04,000 --> 00:32:07,000
That Monday night ballgame will also be on national television,

375
00:32:07,000 --> 00:32:11,000
ABC Monday and NBC on Saturday.

376
00:32:11,000 --> 00:32:14,000
Number 34, designated hitter John Loewenstein.

377
00:32:14,000 --> 00:32:16,000
Here's John Loewenstein to start the second inning off.

378
00:32:16,000 --> 00:32:18,000
Knuckleball is high, ball one.

379
00:32:18,000 --> 00:32:21,000
Loewenstein inserted at the last moment in place of Richie Zisk

380
00:32:21,000 --> 00:32:23,000
in the designated hitter's role.

381
00:32:23,000 --> 00:32:25,000
Loewenstein, left-handed swinger.

382
00:32:25,000 --> 00:32:29,000
1-0 pitch, 2-high, 2-0.

383
00:32:29,000 --> 00:32:32,000
Loewenstein lives in Las Vegas during the offseason.

384
00:32:32,000 --> 00:32:35,000
Says it's the greatest place in the world to live.

385
00:32:39,000 --> 00:32:41,000
Here's the 2-0 delivery.

386
00:32:41,000 --> 00:32:44,000
Swung on, high drive to deep right field.

387
00:32:44,000 --> 00:32:45,000
Back goes Cruz.

388
00:32:45,000 --> 00:32:47,000
He turns around and it's gone!

389
00:32:47,000 --> 00:32:49,000
Home run!

390
00:32:49,000 --> 00:33:04,000
John Loewenstein hits one right down the right field line, a high drive.

391
00:33:04,000 --> 00:33:07,000
And it clears the wall with plenty to spare.

392
00:33:07,000 --> 00:33:10,000
And the Rangers have taken a 1-0 lead.

393
00:33:10,000 --> 00:33:13,000
That's home run number two for Loewenstein.

394
00:33:13,000 --> 00:33:18,000
And the 15th home run of the springtime for the Rangers as a team.

395
00:33:18,000 --> 00:33:20,000
So Loewenstein quacks one here.

396
00:33:20,000 --> 00:33:24,000
In fact, Josh has been just about the best hitter as anybody in spring training for Texas.

397
00:33:24,000 --> 00:33:28,000
He came into the ball game hitting.367.

398
00:33:28,000 --> 00:33:31,000
Here's Claudette Washington, a swinging strike, 0-1.

399
00:33:31,000 --> 00:33:33,000
Montenegro signed back.

400
00:33:33,000 --> 00:33:36,000
So it's 1-0, Texas, first base hit against Joe Negros.

401
00:33:36,000 --> 00:33:40,000
One strike pitch, swung on, top foul to the plate, 0-2.

402
00:33:45,000 --> 00:33:46,000
Richie Zisk.

403
00:33:46,000 --> 00:33:49,000
This is according to Mike Hargrove and Kurt Bavacqua.

404
00:33:49,000 --> 00:33:54,000
He was chewing some tobacco and he got sick.

405
00:33:54,000 --> 00:33:56,000
I can understand that.

406
00:33:56,000 --> 00:33:58,000
Big swing on the miss and Washington goes down.

407
00:33:58,000 --> 00:34:03,000
Big breaking knuckleball that time.

408
00:34:03,000 --> 00:34:06,000
One out and Juan Beníquez.

409
00:34:06,000 --> 00:34:11,000
That's right, ball players never get sick from that stuff.

410
00:34:11,000 --> 00:34:13,000
Did we just hear some thunder?

411
00:34:13,000 --> 00:34:17,000
Never heard whatever.

412
00:34:17,000 --> 00:34:21,000
Ah, it doesn't mean anything.

413
00:34:21,000 --> 00:34:23,000
Here's Juan Beníquez.

414
00:34:23,000 --> 00:34:24,000
Pitch to Juan.

415
00:34:24,000 --> 00:34:27,000
Lays off a knuckleball high and inside, ball one.

416
00:34:27,000 --> 00:34:30,000
Little bit of thunder off in the distance.

417
00:34:30,000 --> 00:34:32,000
You think that means something?

418
00:34:32,000 --> 00:34:36,000
Yes, it lightens.

419
00:34:36,000 --> 00:34:37,000
Well, I know that.

420
00:34:37,000 --> 00:34:39,000
Here's the 1-0 pitch.

421
00:34:39,000 --> 00:34:42,000
Swung on, popped up right side of the infield, drifting into shallow right now.

422
00:34:42,000 --> 00:34:45,000
Second baseman Art Howe, he's under it and makes the catch.

423
00:34:45,000 --> 00:34:49,000
Two out on the second and Bump Wills will bat.

424
00:34:49,000 --> 00:34:54,000
1-0 Texas, a leadoff home run by John Loewenstein.

425
00:34:54,000 --> 00:35:01,000
Back in 1974, hot, humid day in Cincinnati, the Dodgers were there for a double header.

426
00:35:01,000 --> 00:35:06,000
This year it was about 95 degrees, the humidity was 95 percent.

427
00:35:06,000 --> 00:35:09,000
And one of the umpires working in the bases left the game after the second inning.

428
00:35:09,000 --> 00:35:12,000
They thought maybe the heat had gotten to them.

429
00:35:12,000 --> 00:35:14,000
Outside to Wills, ball one.

430
00:35:14,000 --> 00:35:17,000
They found out later, no, it was not heat.

431
00:35:17,000 --> 00:35:20,000
The umpire had swallowed his chew of tobacco.

432
00:35:20,000 --> 00:35:22,000
Oh boy.

433
00:35:22,000 --> 00:35:29,000
Loewen outside, two balls, no strikes.

434
00:35:29,000 --> 00:35:32,000
Well, you know, generally you put something in your mouth, you chew it up and you swallow it.

435
00:35:32,000 --> 00:35:34,000
He must have forgot.

436
00:35:34,000 --> 00:35:35,000
2-0 pitch.

437
00:35:35,000 --> 00:35:36,000
Look out.

438
00:35:36,000 --> 00:35:42,000
That one, almost hitting Wills on the inside.

439
00:35:42,000 --> 00:35:44,000
Did that chip off the bat?

440
00:35:44,000 --> 00:35:47,000
Hit off the glove, Ed Herman.

441
00:35:47,000 --> 00:35:50,000
Get no call, so it's now three balls, no strikes.

442
00:35:50,000 --> 00:35:53,000
Pitch goes to the fastball and hits it on the outside corner.

443
00:35:53,000 --> 00:35:57,000
Three and one.

444
00:35:57,000 --> 00:35:59,000
Three balls, one strike.

445
00:35:59,000 --> 00:36:00,000
Two out, nobody on.

446
00:36:00,000 --> 00:36:02,000
Bottom of the second, Texas leading 1-0.

447
00:36:02,000 --> 00:36:07,000
It's a curveball, but it's high, ball four.

448
00:36:07,000 --> 00:36:11,000
First walk by Necro, and that brings up Campy Cabaneras.

449
00:36:11,000 --> 00:36:20,000
Cabaneras hitting 2-50, he's really been bringing the average up the last few days.

450
00:36:20,000 --> 00:36:24,000
Campy, the venerable shortstop.

451
00:36:24,000 --> 00:36:26,000
This guy was a catcher.

452
00:36:26,000 --> 00:36:31,000
Came out of Cuba in the early 1960s, came to the then Kansas City A's camp and was a catcher.

453
00:36:31,000 --> 00:36:34,000
He weighed 130 pounds.

454
00:36:34,000 --> 00:36:38,000
There's a loud throw to first, and Wills goes back.

455
00:36:38,000 --> 00:36:45,000
They were going to cut him, but somebody said, you know, maybe if we put him in another position besides catcher.

456
00:36:45,000 --> 00:36:51,000
Somebody had the foresight to put him in shortstop, and he's been one of the finest the league has ever had.

457
00:36:51,000 --> 00:36:54,000
Necro at the belt, the pitch to Campy Cabaneras, low ball one.

458
00:36:54,000 --> 00:36:57,000
Snap throw to first by Herman, but Wills is back.

459
00:36:57,000 --> 00:37:05,000
And we had a loud clap of thunder there a moment ago.

460
00:37:05,000 --> 00:37:08,000
We've got a, we're all set here, even though we're out in the open.

461
00:37:08,000 --> 00:37:12,000
We've got plastic coverings and towels and everything else.

462
00:37:12,000 --> 00:37:16,000
None of which will probably work.

463
00:37:16,000 --> 00:37:22,000
Necro at the belt, now turns, throws to first, but again Wills is back, and they said he balked.

464
00:37:22,000 --> 00:37:30,000
Played umpire Joe West, and also first base umpire Al Clark, both spotting it.

465
00:37:30,000 --> 00:37:32,000
And it's starting to rain a little bit now.

466
00:37:32,000 --> 00:37:37,000
Bump Wills goes down to second, but quick, let's get that plastic up. Come on now.

467
00:37:37,000 --> 00:37:41,000
Let's go. None of us have umbrellas, of course.

468
00:37:41,000 --> 00:37:46,000
So we get the plastic up over our heads as the rain starts to fall here.

469
00:37:46,000 --> 00:37:48,000
Umbrellas pop up in front of us.

470
00:37:48,000 --> 00:37:54,000
Here's the 1-0 pitch to Campanarros, low and inside for a ball, 2-0.

471
00:37:54,000 --> 00:37:56,000
I can't believe this.

472
00:37:56,000 --> 00:38:03,000
One of us is going to have to break down and buy an umbrella. You know it?

473
00:38:03,000 --> 00:38:07,000
Two balls and no strikes to Campanarros.

474
00:38:07,000 --> 00:38:10,000
Inside ball three, 3-0.

475
00:38:10,000 --> 00:38:14,000
We've got umbrellas popping up in front of us.

476
00:38:14,000 --> 00:38:20,000
And I can just barely see the home plate area right now.

477
00:38:20,000 --> 00:38:26,000
In fact, home plate down the third base line left field I can see very clearly.

478
00:38:26,000 --> 00:38:30,000
3-0 pitch, inside he walked him.

479
00:38:30,000 --> 00:38:38,000
Necro has walked the last two batters now, runners at first and second, and Jim Sundberg, the number nine man of the batting order, will swing.

480
00:38:38,000 --> 00:38:48,000
What we've got from the local phone company is a large piece of plastic and the three of us are sitting on it and then we bring it up over our backs and now we pull it up over our heads.

481
00:38:48,000 --> 00:38:56,000
And we're all sitting here with our hands outstretched in front of us, holding it up so we can see the field.

482
00:38:56,000 --> 00:39:00,000
Here's the pitch to Sundberg, swung on a high drive to deep center field.

483
00:39:00,000 --> 00:39:04,000
Back goes Poole, he's at the wall and makes the catch.

484
00:39:04,000 --> 00:39:06,000
Sundberg hit it well but got under it.

485
00:39:06,000 --> 00:39:13,000
The Rangers get one run, one hit, and strain two and after two full from Tulsa, Oklahoma, Texas one, Houston nothing.

486
00:39:13,000 --> 00:39:18,000
That sound of the ball smacking the mid and the crack of the bat should give you a clue that it won't be long till spring.

487
00:39:18,000 --> 00:39:21,000
And spring is paint up fix up time around the house.

488
00:39:21,000 --> 00:39:28,000
It's been a long, tough winter and you'll be money ahead if you do those fix up jobs pretty quickly before they get worse and cause you real trouble.

489
00:39:28,000 --> 00:39:32,000
Your Cooke Paint Decorating Center has a store full of paint and decorating supplies and tools.

490
00:39:32,000 --> 00:39:36,000
And quite an assortment of how to do it booklets that are free for the asking.

491
00:39:36,000 --> 00:39:38,000
So if you're thinking paint, think Cooke.

492
00:39:38,000 --> 00:39:41,000
Cooke Paint and your Cooke Paint Decorating Center.

493
00:39:41,000 --> 00:39:47,000
In Arlington, for the good times in 1978, Six Flags over Texas is more exciting than ever.

494
00:39:47,000 --> 00:39:50,000
The longest, tallest, fastest double loop roller coaster in the world.

495
00:39:50,000 --> 00:39:52,000
The shockwave opens this spring.

496
00:39:52,000 --> 00:39:55,000
The biggest thing ever to happen in your imagination.

497
00:39:55,000 --> 00:39:58,000
Only minutes away is Traders Village, Disneyland to flea markets, and more.

498
00:39:58,000 --> 00:40:05,000
Open weekends and just 10 minutes east is the Southwest's largest wax museum featuring the region's famous and infamous in wax.

499
00:40:05,000 --> 00:40:08,000
As well as the largest antique gun collection in the United States.

500
00:40:08,000 --> 00:40:11,000
For vacation fun, come to Arlington.

501
00:40:11,000 --> 00:40:39,000
Music

502
00:40:39,000 --> 00:40:41,000
We have a heavy one here.

503
00:40:41,000 --> 00:40:45,000
Spring drizzle I guess.

504
00:40:45,000 --> 00:40:47,000
Jim Birdsong set us up with this.

505
00:40:47,000 --> 00:40:48,000
We've got a much better set up.

506
00:40:48,000 --> 00:40:51,000
The Houston Astros radio crew is off to our left.

507
00:40:51,000 --> 00:40:53,000
They also have a big sheet of plastic.

508
00:40:53,000 --> 00:40:58,000
But what they did was wrap it around the front of the table and then they bring it up.

509
00:40:58,000 --> 00:41:01,000
They can't see the ball game that way.

510
00:41:01,000 --> 00:41:04,000
We can't either really.

511
00:41:04,000 --> 00:41:05,000
But it's still a much better set up.

512
00:41:05,000 --> 00:41:08,000
Here's Terry Poole to start the third for the Astros.

513
00:41:08,000 --> 00:41:10,000
He's 0 for 1.

514
00:41:10,000 --> 00:41:12,000
Fastball outside, ball 1.

515
00:41:12,000 --> 00:41:17,000
Poole was at the plate when Jimmy Dixon was thrown out trying to steal to win the second inning.

516
00:41:17,000 --> 00:41:19,000
1-0 Texas.

517
00:41:19,000 --> 00:41:20,000
1-0 pitch.

518
00:41:20,000 --> 00:41:21,000
Bouncing ball right side.

519
00:41:21,000 --> 00:41:22,000
Bump Will's far to his left.

520
00:41:22,000 --> 00:41:23,000
Bubbles the ball.

521
00:41:23,000 --> 00:41:27,000
Picks it up and has no play.

522
00:41:27,000 --> 00:41:33,000
First baseman Hargrove also ranged far to his right off the baseline.

523
00:41:33,000 --> 00:41:36,000
Thinking he might have had a shot at it.

524
00:41:36,000 --> 00:41:38,000
Will's going far to his left.

525
00:41:38,000 --> 00:41:42,000
Bobbled the ball with Doc Ellis going over to cover first.

526
00:41:42,000 --> 00:41:45,000
And by the time Bump got the handle on it, Poole was safe.

527
00:41:45,000 --> 00:41:47,000
That'll go as an error.

528
00:41:47,000 --> 00:41:51,000
First error of the ball game and Enos Cabell will bat.

529
00:41:51,000 --> 00:41:56,000
So Poole at first base, the first time the Astros have had a leadoff man on.

530
00:41:56,000 --> 00:42:00,000
Poole in 60 games at Houston last year stole 10 bases.

531
00:42:00,000 --> 00:42:02,000
Curve is low to Cabell.

532
00:42:02,000 --> 00:42:04,000
Cabell bounced to third in the first.

533
00:42:04,000 --> 00:42:05,000
He's 0 for 1.

534
00:42:05,000 --> 00:42:09,000
Cabell hitting 259 in the spring.

535
00:42:09,000 --> 00:42:11,000
Former Baltimore Oriole.

536
00:42:11,000 --> 00:42:12,000
Ellis at the belt, the runner goes.

537
00:42:12,000 --> 00:42:16,000
The pitch is fouled at the plate.

538
00:42:16,000 --> 00:42:17,000
Had the hit run on that time.

539
00:42:17,000 --> 00:42:20,000
Poole took off and Cabell fouled it.

540
00:42:20,000 --> 00:42:24,000
One ball, one strike.

541
00:42:24,000 --> 00:42:27,000
Those Detroit Tigers continue to be the hottest team of the springtime.

542
00:42:27,000 --> 00:42:29,000
16 wins and 8 losses.

543
00:42:29,000 --> 00:42:33,000
And they'll be at Arlington Stadium right after the Yankees.

544
00:42:33,000 --> 00:42:37,000
Tuesday and Wednesday, April 11th and 12th.

545
00:42:37,000 --> 00:42:39,000
Might see Mark Federich in one of those games.

546
00:42:39,000 --> 00:42:40,000
Big curveball outside.

547
00:42:40,000 --> 00:42:43,000
He hits by Jim Sundberg back to the screen.

548
00:42:43,000 --> 00:42:46,000
And Poole now goes to second.

549
00:42:46,000 --> 00:42:47,000
Probably give him a wild pitch on that one.

550
00:42:47,000 --> 00:42:48,000
Hit the dirt outside.

551
00:42:48,000 --> 00:42:51,000
Sundberg couldn't block it.

552
00:42:51,000 --> 00:42:55,000
So now Poole in scoring position to count two balls and a strike to Enos Cabell.

553
00:42:55,000 --> 00:42:59,000
Cezanne Sedaniel on deck.

554
00:42:59,000 --> 00:43:05,000
Cabell was experimented with at the start of the spring at shortstop.

555
00:43:05,000 --> 00:43:13,000
But they felt that it was much too complex a position to have to learn in a short amount of time.

556
00:43:13,000 --> 00:43:16,000
So the experiment is dead at least for this year.

557
00:43:16,000 --> 00:43:17,000
Bic Littlechop at third base side.

558
00:43:17,000 --> 00:43:18,000
Harrod charges.

559
00:43:18,000 --> 00:43:19,000
Has to hurry.

560
00:43:19,000 --> 00:43:20,000
Throws.

561
00:43:20,000 --> 00:43:23,000
Got him by a step at first base.

562
00:43:23,000 --> 00:43:26,000
Down to third goes Poole.

563
00:43:26,000 --> 00:43:30,000
So Cabell bounces out but does move the runner along.

564
00:43:30,000 --> 00:43:34,000
Now Cezanne Sedaniel.

565
00:43:34,000 --> 00:43:37,000
Poole now could score with a fly ball.

566
00:43:37,000 --> 00:43:41,000
Wild pitch.

567
00:43:41,000 --> 00:43:46,000
Quite a number of things that he could not score from on second when he was at second.

568
00:43:46,000 --> 00:43:51,000
Cezanne Sedaniel, he swatted a double down the left field line in the first.

569
00:43:51,000 --> 00:43:55,000
Cezanne Sedaniel says he wants to be an astro for life and the Astros did all they could to accommodate him.

570
00:43:55,000 --> 00:43:57,000
Swung on hard bounce at a shortstop.

571
00:43:57,000 --> 00:43:59,000
It hits the chest of Cabaneras.

572
00:43:59,000 --> 00:44:03,000
Sedaniel will be safe and coming in to score is Terry Poole.

573
00:44:03,000 --> 00:44:11,000
Rangers had the infield back and Poole was going to score anyway.

574
00:44:11,000 --> 00:44:17,000
But Cabaneras will get charged with an error for allowing Sedaniel to reach first base safely.

575
00:44:17,000 --> 00:44:21,000
That one hit the pebble, took the high hop and Cabaneras to his credit.

576
00:44:21,000 --> 00:44:22,000
He stayed right on it.

577
00:44:22,000 --> 00:44:24,000
Hit off his chest.

578
00:44:24,000 --> 00:44:27,000
So the score is tied 1-1.

579
00:44:27,000 --> 00:44:31,000
Give Sedaniel an RBI there and charge the error to Cabaneras.

580
00:44:31,000 --> 00:44:34,000
There's a swing and a drive to right field headed down the corner.

581
00:44:34,000 --> 00:44:36,000
It's in base hit into the corner.

582
00:44:36,000 --> 00:44:40,000
Washington over to cut it off and he holds Cruz at first base with a single.

583
00:44:40,000 --> 00:44:45,000
Down to third base goes Sedaniel.

584
00:44:45,000 --> 00:44:49,000
Claudel hustled over on that ball along the right field line.

585
00:44:49,000 --> 00:44:53,000
Cut it off and he held Jose Cruz to a base hit.

586
00:44:53,000 --> 00:44:55,000
That is the first hit of the inning for the Astros.

587
00:44:55,000 --> 00:44:58,000
Poole was safe on Bump Will's error.

588
00:44:58,000 --> 00:45:00,000
Then he went to second on a wild pitch.

589
00:45:00,000 --> 00:45:03,000
He went to third on Cabel's infield out.

590
00:45:03,000 --> 00:45:07,000
Scored on a bouncer to Cabaneras but Cabaneras bobbled it.

591
00:45:07,000 --> 00:45:10,000
So now runners at first and third, one out, Dave Bergman the batter.

592
00:45:10,000 --> 00:45:12,000
Bergman walked in the first.

593
00:45:12,000 --> 00:45:16,000
Ellis delivers, Chopper foul first base side.

594
00:45:16,000 --> 00:45:21,000
Deacon Jones, the first base coach for the Astros, grabs it.

595
00:45:21,000 --> 00:45:25,000
Tony Pacheco coaching over at third.

596
00:45:25,000 --> 00:45:27,000
Outfield deep against Bergman.

597
00:45:27,000 --> 00:45:30,000
Play him to pole.

598
00:45:30,000 --> 00:45:35,000
Bump Will's trying to plug up the hole on the right side.

599
00:45:35,000 --> 00:45:38,000
Cabaneras cheating over towards second from his shortstop position.

600
00:45:38,000 --> 00:45:42,000
There goes Cruz. The pitch is taken. The throw to second is there.

601
00:45:42,000 --> 00:45:45,000
They got him at second base and Sedaniel held on at third.

602
00:45:45,000 --> 00:45:49,000
Cabaneras applied the tag.

603
00:45:49,000 --> 00:45:52,000
Sundberg's throw is right there again.

604
00:45:52,000 --> 00:45:57,000
And now Cabaneras looks like he might have gotten spiked.

605
00:45:57,000 --> 00:46:04,000
Time is taken and Cabaneras now is kneeling on one knee.

606
00:46:04,000 --> 00:46:09,000
And he pulls the left leg up over the knee and has a look.

607
00:46:09,000 --> 00:46:13,000
Bill Ziegler the trainer came out as did manager Billy Hunter.

608
00:46:13,000 --> 00:46:18,000
But Cabaneras says he's fine.

609
00:46:18,000 --> 00:46:25,000
The count to Bergman is one ball and one strike as Jim Sundberg is now throwing out both Astros who have tried to steal.

610
00:46:25,000 --> 00:46:31,000
Beautiful throws both times. That one was a little bit low but Cabaneras is able to hang on to it.

611
00:46:31,000 --> 00:46:35,000
One-one pitch low on outside. Two balls and a strike.

612
00:46:35,000 --> 00:46:42,000
Cruz, not an easy man to throw out. He even stole 44 times last year for the Astros.

613
00:46:42,000 --> 00:46:50,000
Two and one to Bergman. Two odd runner at third. The pitch is hit foul. Passed the first base back. Two balls, two strikes.

614
00:46:50,000 --> 00:46:55,000
The Astros have tied it up here in the third inning on an unearned run.

615
00:46:55,000 --> 00:46:58,000
The infield here is not the best.

616
00:46:58,000 --> 00:47:04,000
John Loewenstein posted odds before the game. I said odds on once. There's a mortality rate in the infield.

617
00:47:04,000 --> 00:47:08,000
Fastball down the middle, strike three call.

618
00:47:08,000 --> 00:47:14,000
So Alos gets out of the fourth, third inning with a minimum of damage. One run, one hit, two errors, one left.

619
00:47:14,000 --> 00:47:17,000
After two and a half, Houston won, Texas won.

620
00:47:17,000 --> 00:47:24,000
We love baseball, hot dogs, apple pie, and Chevrolet. Baseball, hot dogs, apple pie, and Chevrolet.

621
00:47:24,000 --> 00:47:28,000
Wet your lips America, cause Chevy's serving up a fresh new slice of apple pie.

622
00:47:28,000 --> 00:47:33,000
A tasty new mid-sized car called Malibu that's so right for so many people right now.

623
00:47:33,000 --> 00:47:38,000
You'd be inclined to believe it was designed by John Hugh Public himself.

624
00:47:38,000 --> 00:47:45,000
It's got a crisp good look, a nice trim body, and even more headroom, more legroom, and more trunk room than last year's Malibu.

625
00:47:45,000 --> 00:47:48,000
It's a car that's going to get you grinning when you point it down the road.

626
00:47:48,000 --> 00:47:52,000
Now I ask you America, isn't that what you had in mind?

627
00:47:52,000 --> 00:47:58,000
New size, sweet size, mid-sized Malibu, a fresh new slice of apple pie from Chevrolet.

628
00:47:58,000 --> 00:48:03,000
When it comes to value, America comes to Chevrolet.

629
00:48:03,000 --> 00:48:05,000
Oh, Chevy Malibu.

630
00:48:05,000 --> 00:48:06,000
Mmm, juicy.

631
00:48:06,000 --> 00:48:09,000
A fresh new slice of apple pie from Chevrolet.

632
00:48:09,000 --> 00:48:12,000
A fresh new slice of apple pie from Chevy Malibu.

633
00:48:16,000 --> 00:48:21,000
It's still raining in Tulsa, Oklahoma. We've still got the plastic up over our heads.

634
00:48:21,000 --> 00:48:27,000
I don't know how long we can hold out like this because we all have our hands extended out in front of us

635
00:48:27,000 --> 00:48:32,000
to hold our heads, to hold the plastic up, and also give ourselves a view of the field.

636
00:48:35,000 --> 00:48:38,000
One-one tie here from Tulsa.

637
00:48:38,000 --> 00:48:43,000
Next Saturday, Sunday, Monday, the season begins for real.

638
00:48:44,000 --> 00:48:49,000
And I know now that the Rangers are going to be a serious threat to win it all this year

639
00:48:49,000 --> 00:48:58,000
because TV Guide picked them for first place in the Western Division.

640
00:48:58,000 --> 00:49:01,000
When's the last time TV Guide was wrong?

641
00:49:07,000 --> 00:49:09,000
Bottom of the...

642
00:49:09,000 --> 00:49:12,000
Said something's going to be on at 10 o'clock, it's on at 10 o'clock.

643
00:49:12,000 --> 00:49:15,000
Mike Hargrove leads it off the bottom of the third for the Rangers.

644
00:49:15,000 --> 00:49:21,000
He struck out on the first. Toby Harrah, Al Oliver will follow in the rain of Tulsa.

645
00:49:21,000 --> 00:49:23,000
A hard rain, but it's steady.

646
00:49:23,000 --> 00:49:26,000
Nuckleball outside, ball one.

647
00:49:26,000 --> 00:49:33,000
Necro worked him six straight knuckleballs, and on a 3-2 pitch, he threw a fastball and got him on the outside.

648
00:49:33,000 --> 00:49:35,000
Blew it by him.

649
00:49:35,000 --> 00:49:38,000
Wind up, the 1-0 delivery.

650
00:49:38,000 --> 00:49:45,000
Knuckleball, bouncer ball, right side of the infield, fielding it on second is how, and he throws him out.

651
00:49:45,000 --> 00:49:48,000
One out, Toby Harrah.

652
00:49:49,000 --> 00:49:54,000
Talking to players about hitting against knuckleballer Wilbur Wood,

653
00:49:54,000 --> 00:49:58,000
they said at least you always knew what he was going to throw.

654
00:49:58,000 --> 00:50:03,000
You rarely knew where he was going to throw it, because he didn't know that.

655
00:50:03,000 --> 00:50:06,000
At least he knew it was going to be a knuckleball.

656
00:50:06,000 --> 00:50:09,000
Pitch to Harrah, high, ball one.

657
00:50:09,000 --> 00:50:16,000
But Necro, he'll sneak in a fastball and a curveball, keep you off stride.

658
00:50:16,000 --> 00:50:18,000
1-0 pitch to Harrah.

659
00:50:18,000 --> 00:50:20,000
Swing and a miss.

660
00:50:20,000 --> 00:50:27,000
Letter high knuckleball that time, and that one looked like it just slid along the tabletop, came into home plate.

661
00:50:27,000 --> 00:50:30,000
One out, nobody on, outfield deep.

662
00:50:30,000 --> 00:50:42,000
Low for a ball, two and one.

663
00:50:42,000 --> 00:50:44,000
Last to the third, one-one ball game.

664
00:50:44,000 --> 00:50:50,000
The Rangers, one run scoring on Loewenstein's home run in the second.

665
00:50:50,000 --> 00:50:56,000
Knuckleballer Benz Harrah out of there on the inside, three and one.

666
00:50:56,000 --> 00:51:01,000
One of the papers today said that there was tornado warnings up for some part of this. That wasn't this part, was it?

667
00:51:01,000 --> 00:51:02,000
No, that was just last night.

668
00:51:02,000 --> 00:51:05,000
Oh, last night we had tornado warnings.

669
00:51:05,000 --> 00:51:10,000
Three-one pitch is low, ball four.

670
00:51:10,000 --> 00:51:14,000
Harrah had a half swing at that one, and they looked at plate umpire Joe West.

671
00:51:14,000 --> 00:51:19,000
West is the man who ejected him yesterday on the appeal play at first.

672
00:51:19,000 --> 00:51:26,000
Harrah kind of stood at home plate and said, I'm not going anywhere until you tell me unequivocally that I am allowed first base.

673
00:51:26,000 --> 00:51:29,000
Left fielder Al Oliver.

674
00:51:29,000 --> 00:51:33,000
One out runner at first, Al Oliver the batter.

675
00:51:33,000 --> 00:51:36,000
Oliver flying to left in the first, he's 0 for one.

676
00:51:36,000 --> 00:51:38,000
He's had a good springtime.

677
00:51:38,000 --> 00:51:42,000
They hold against Harrah at first, the pitch is swung on it deep to left center field.

678
00:51:42,000 --> 00:51:52,000
Back goes Poole, he's at the wall, and it is gone, home run.

679
00:51:52,000 --> 00:51:56,000
Coming in to score, Toby Harrah and Oliver rounds the base pass.

680
00:51:56,000 --> 00:52:03,000
As he hit that one to deep left center field, and it cleared the, really the tallest part of the ballpark out there.

681
00:52:03,000 --> 00:52:08,000
The fence is tall all the way around, but some places it's taller than others.

682
00:52:08,000 --> 00:52:13,000
But he hit that one over a tall place here, home run number two for Oliver.

683
00:52:13,000 --> 00:52:20,000
And he continues to lead the team and runs battered in in spring training, that's number 11 and also number 12 for him.

684
00:52:20,000 --> 00:52:22,000
12 RBIs for Al Oliver.

685
00:52:22,000 --> 00:52:27,000
Here's John Loewenstein who, Homer, his first time, he slings and misses, it's 0 and 1.

686
00:52:27,000 --> 00:52:34,000
3 to 1, Texas leading as the Rangers play long ball here in Tulsa.

687
00:52:34,000 --> 00:52:37,000
Low for a ball, one ball, one strike.

688
00:52:37,000 --> 00:52:44,000
This ballpark is the home of the Rangers AA ball club which plays in the Texas league.

689
00:52:44,000 --> 00:52:47,000
Low for ball two, two and one.

690
00:52:47,000 --> 00:52:53,000
Steve Comer pitched here last year, for a while Danny Darwin pitched here.

691
00:52:53,000 --> 00:53:00,000
Paul Mirabella, all whom we saw in spring training, shut foul down the right field line.

692
00:53:00,000 --> 00:53:10,000
Had a photographer in the field down there, was sitting down and he hopped up, looked like a jumping bean down there.

693
00:53:10,000 --> 00:53:14,000
Sitting flat on the ground, I don't know how he got any spring to jump up like that.

694
00:53:14,000 --> 00:53:20,000
2-2 pitch, swung on, hard bouncer to second, two hops, played by Howe, lot of time, throws him out.

695
00:53:20,000 --> 00:53:23,000
Two outs in the third.

696
00:53:23,000 --> 00:53:26,000
That'll bring up Claudel Washington.

697
00:53:26,000 --> 00:53:31,000
3 to 1 now, Texas leading, the Rangers with only two hits, but both of them round trippers.

698
00:53:31,000 --> 00:53:42,000
Rangers with a team batting average of 246, but they have averaged five runs a game in the spring time.

699
00:53:42,000 --> 00:53:52,000
And if you average five runs a game in the regular season, you're going to be at least one of the leading scoring teams in baseball, if not the top scoring team.

700
00:53:52,000 --> 00:53:59,000
Claudel, a little chopper toward the mound, off the mound is Necrol, fields it, turns, throws him out at first base.

701
00:53:59,000 --> 00:54:06,000
But for the Rangers in the third inning, two runs, one hit, nobody left, a third of the way through it, Texas 3, Houston 1.

702
00:54:06,000 --> 00:54:12,000
If you're riding on radial tires, you probably selected them to help promote tire life, but don't let worn shocks shorten that life.

703
00:54:12,000 --> 00:54:16,000
If your car needs new shocks, replace them now with new Delco Big D heavy duty shocks.

704
00:54:16,000 --> 00:54:21,000
They give you 59% more shock absorbing capacity than conventional one-inch shocks.

705
00:54:21,000 --> 00:54:29,000
To help get the mileage your tires were designed to offer, get Delco Big Ds at Ashby AAA Auto Parts, three locations serving North Dallas and Addison.

706
00:54:29,000 --> 00:54:36,000
Ashby AAA at Lovers Lane and Dallas North Toll Road, Forest and Preston Road, and Addison Automotive Warehouse, Addison and Beltline Road.

707
00:54:36,000 --> 00:54:40,000
Thank you for joining us for this Texas Rangers baseball game on WBAP.

708
00:54:40,000 --> 00:54:47,000
We'd like to remind you to stay tuned to WBAP for the best music around with a lot of people who enjoy what they do.

709
00:54:47,000 --> 00:54:54,000
It starts every morning, Monday through Saturday with Don Harris saying good morning bright eyes and keeping you informed, entertained, and smiling.

710
00:54:54,000 --> 00:55:04,000
WBAP 820, no matter where you are or where you're going, it's your luck for you to join us on WBAP, doing it all for WBAP people.

711
00:55:06,000 --> 00:55:11,000
The Arlington Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Victory Ranger luncheon on Monday, April 10th at the end of the Six Flags.

712
00:55:11,000 --> 00:55:16,000
It's the kickoff luncheon for the 1978 baseball season and the whole Ranger team will be there.

713
00:55:16,000 --> 00:55:20,000
And when you purchase a table of 10, you can select your favorite Ranger player as your guest.

714
00:55:20,000 --> 00:55:25,000
Tickets now on sale at the Arlington Chamber of Commerce, 275-2613.

715
00:55:25,000 --> 00:55:29,000
Tickets must be purchased in advance and on a first-come, first-serve basis.

716
00:55:29,000 --> 00:55:33,000
That's the Rangers on to Victory Luncheon, Monday, April 10th.

717
00:55:33,000 --> 00:55:38,000
Well, we're going to go to Bill Merrill now, but Bill has got this great pen, beauty.

718
00:55:38,000 --> 00:55:46,000
It's got the fine line, beautiful-looking ink, but when it gets water on it, it doesn't stay there anymore. It becomes disappearing ink.

719
00:55:46,000 --> 00:55:50,000
So here's Bill, and don't ask him about the first three because they're not there anymore.

720
00:55:50,000 --> 00:55:52,000
Wow, Bill Merrill.

721
00:55:52,000 --> 00:55:55,000
Thank you, John. Here's Ellis all set, and the first pitch comes down to Walling.

722
00:55:55,000 --> 00:56:02,000
The left fielder sends a fly ball to deep left field. Al Oliver's back under it and grabs it. One up, one pitch, and one man is gone.

723
00:56:02,000 --> 00:56:07,000
Now as far as 10 seconds for station identification, this is the Texas Rangers Baseball Network.

724
00:56:07,000 --> 00:56:09,000
WBAPA-20, Fort Worth, Dallas.

725
00:56:09,000 --> 00:56:15,000
If you can't be in the grandstand tonight, be at the newsstand in the morning and pick up a Dallas Times-Herald, Texas edition.

726
00:56:15,000 --> 00:56:20,000
Hey, how about that? It's quit raining. We dropped the top.

727
00:56:20,000 --> 00:56:28,000
Out from under it. Here's Art Howe. He grounded out his only trip this afternoon. Nothing out of one. Art came on batting at 263.

728
00:56:28,000 --> 00:56:34,000
Hit 264 last year for the Astros. Looks like he's going to look at a pitch right over knee-high for strike one.

729
00:56:34,000 --> 00:56:41,000
3-1, the Rangers leading it. They've been out hit 3-2, but John mentioned they've had a couple of home runs and one with a made-aboard.

730
00:56:41,000 --> 00:56:46,000
Put the ball hit on the line. Wills short hops it, grabs it, and he's out right there. Flips it on over to first base.

731
00:56:46,000 --> 00:56:52,000
The liner right off of the shoe tops, grabbed by second baseman Bup Wills, and there's two men gone.

732
00:56:52,000 --> 00:56:58,000
So Ellis having it easy here at the fourth inning so far. We'll look at catcher Ed Herman.

733
00:56:58,000 --> 00:57:09,000
Ed hitting 421 in the springtime left-hander batter. Worked 56 ball games for Houston last year and batted 291, so he had a pretty good ball game.

734
00:57:09,000 --> 00:57:14,000
Here's Ellis first delivery. He's high and away with it. Missed one ball and nothing.

735
00:57:14,000 --> 00:57:22,000
Ferguson, first string catcher for the Astros. John mentioned back in Houston being x-rayed. He received an injury a couple of nights ago.

736
00:57:22,000 --> 00:57:27,000
Here's the next delivery. Curve ball. It's a little low, and the count moves out to two balls, no strikes.

737
00:57:27,000 --> 00:57:32,000
Fly ball to left, the liner to second. Two men are gone in the top of the fourth.

738
00:57:32,000 --> 00:57:40,000
Ellis peers in, and the right-hander's ready. Here's a breaking pitch low inside, a good slider, but he's missed the strike zone, and he falls behind.

739
00:57:40,000 --> 00:57:45,000
Ed Herman, three balls, no strikes. On deck, Jimmy Sexton, the shortstop.

740
00:57:45,000 --> 00:57:52,000
Ellis, a fast worker, comes right back, and he's low, and he walked him. So it's two down. The Astros got a runner.

741
00:57:52,000 --> 00:58:01,000
He's surrendering his third walk of the afternoon, walked him in in the first inning, and then follows.

742
00:58:01,000 --> 00:58:08,000
As a matter of fact, loaded the bases on a couple of walks, giving up his third walk, and that'll bring on Jimmy Sexton.

743
00:58:08,000 --> 00:58:13,000
He only had eight hits at Seattle last year, and I believe he had all of them against the Rangers late in the season.

744
00:58:13,000 --> 00:58:26,000
He got up, came over to Houston. Real battle between he and Metzger, but talking with Bill Burton, it looks like the perennial Go Glove winner at shortstop Metzger doesn't pack that much of a bat.

745
00:58:26,000 --> 00:58:29,000
Will open the season for the Astros at shortstop.

746
00:58:29,000 --> 00:58:35,000
Sexton, right-hander batter stands in, two down, one on. It looks like Ellis, the first to hear the pitch.

747
00:58:35,000 --> 00:58:39,000
Fires it right down in there, but a little bit low for ball one.

748
00:58:39,000 --> 00:58:47,000
Five hits in the ball game. Joe West working behind the plate. Al Clark up at first, Eric Gregg at second, and Derwood Merrill over at third.

749
00:58:47,000 --> 00:58:53,000
Ellis ready, and here's the pitch. Pops that one through. Strike call, and it's one and one. One ball, one strike. Don't forget.

750
00:58:53,000 --> 00:59:02,000
Next Saturday afternoon, 3.05 will be game time. The Yankees, the defending world champions in town, to do battle with the Rangers on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday.

751
00:59:02,000 --> 00:59:08,000
Here's the pitch. Another fastball drill to right. Coming out is Washington. He gets there, and makes the belt high catch.

752
00:59:08,000 --> 00:59:14,000
A minor drill to right field caught by Claudel Washington. No runs, no hits, the man stranded.

753
00:59:14,000 --> 00:59:20,000
And after three and a half, our score, the Rangers three and the Astros one.

754
00:59:20,000 --> 00:59:41,000
We're done. It's time to let it go. It's the moment to align. So get ready for the addition. And for the King of Meals, come settle back and be yourself.

755
00:59:41,000 --> 00:59:55,000
No matter what you do, no matter when or where, you know a glass of blood is like an easy chair.

756
00:59:55,000 --> 01:00:14,000
When you think you've heard why you said it all, when you think you've heard why you said it all, when you think you've heard why you said it all.

757
01:00:14,000 --> 01:00:18,000
And I'm the Bush St. Louis.

758
01:00:18,000 --> 01:00:26,000
Broadcast of the Texas Ranger baseball games of the property of the Texas Ranger baseball network. Any reproduction without the prior written consent of the Rangers network is prohibited.

759
01:00:26,000 --> 01:00:34,000
Radio and television broadcasting rights of the Texas Ranger baseball games are owned and operated by the Texas Ranger baseball network, a division of the city of Arlington.

760
01:00:34,000 --> 01:00:44,000
General managers, sportscasters, engineers, and directors of these broadcasts are employed in compensated far services by the city of Arlington, Texas.

761
01:00:44,000 --> 01:00:56,000
Joe Necro, 6190 pounder, coming through the first three innings, being tagged for only a couple of ace hits for three runs, walked a batter, and then Al Oliver took him to left center field for the go ahead runs.

762
01:00:56,000 --> 01:01:01,000
And the third inning had given up a solo clap to John Loewenstein, leading off in the second inning.

763
01:01:01,000 --> 01:01:07,000
Necro on July 24th of last year started his drive and wound up the year with a 13-8 record.

764
01:01:07,000 --> 01:01:13,000
They were in Chicago and had only five available pitchers with a double hitter against the Cubs.

765
01:01:13,000 --> 01:01:19,000
Necro came on and won the second ball game going the route and pitched a nine-hit shutout.

766
01:01:19,000 --> 01:01:24,000
And from that time on, Bill Burden will tell you that he has been perhaps the best pitcher on their staff.

767
01:01:24,000 --> 01:01:29,000
And he, as John mentioned earlier, picked up right where he left off here in the spring.

768
01:01:29,000 --> 01:01:33,000
Here's Benica starting it off, swings on a breaking pitch, and it's strike one.

769
01:01:33,000 --> 01:01:37,000
Benica's popped to the second baseman, Art Howe, on his only trip this afternoon.

770
01:01:37,000 --> 01:01:44,000
Nothing out of one. Juan came on with a 2.27 batting average. He's popped one homer and driven across eight runs this year for the Rangers.

771
01:01:44,000 --> 01:01:50,000
Spring training. Necro ready, and there's a drive to left field. That'll drop for a base hit.

772
01:01:50,000 --> 01:01:57,000
Over the field is Dennis Walling, delivers it back to the infield, and Benica sticks up the Rangers' third hit.

773
01:01:57,000 --> 01:02:04,000
Bottom of the fourth inning, Rangers getting their leadoff batter Benica's aboard, and Bump Wills, who had a walk, his only turn comes on.

774
01:02:04,000 --> 01:02:08,000
Bump's hitting it even, 2.50. No homers in one run batted in.

775
01:02:08,000 --> 01:02:13,000
Batting left against the right-hander Necro. Her cabin heiress is on deck.

776
01:02:13,000 --> 01:02:16,000
Rains still falling just slightly.

777
01:02:16,000 --> 01:02:23,000
Here at Driller Park in Tulsa. Last year we had a similar situation, but the rain was rather hard and a little hail mixed in with it.

778
01:02:23,000 --> 01:02:29,000
But it only lasted a short time, and the game interrupted only briefly. Here's the pitch. Upside, ball one.

779
01:02:29,000 --> 01:02:35,000
One ball, no strikes. Benica's a threat to run on at first base.

780
01:02:35,000 --> 01:02:41,000
Down the line, 3.30 straightaway center. It's 390 feet. Takes a pretty good poke to get it out of here.

781
01:02:41,000 --> 01:02:46,000
Here's the runner moving. The ball is taken ahead. Herman delivers a throw. It's going to be too high, and Benica swipes the base.

782
01:02:46,000 --> 01:02:52,000
So on, Benica steals the base for Texas to get a man in scoring position, where nobody out.

783
01:02:52,000 --> 01:03:01,000
The pitch was up, and the count is one and one. One ball, one strike. That's his second swipe of the year in springtime.

784
01:03:01,000 --> 01:03:12,000
So Necro finds himself in a little bit of a hot box right now with a one-one count on the batter, and Wills runs up to Bunt, missed it, and takes the strike.

785
01:03:12,000 --> 01:03:20,000
So it's one and two. One ball, two strikes. Bunt's going to try to push that one between third and the pitching now and beat it out for the base hit.

786
01:03:20,000 --> 01:03:30,000
And at the same time, drawing the third baseman Cabell in would have allowed Benica to race on over to third base, but he did not make contact with it.

787
01:03:30,000 --> 01:03:36,000
Here's the pitch. Swung on and missed. Strike three is out of there, and there's one man gone.

788
01:03:36,000 --> 01:03:45,000
Third strikeout registered by the right-hander Necro this afternoon. One down, and here is Burt Cavanares, who had a walk his only turn.

789
01:03:45,000 --> 01:03:52,000
Burt comes out, and now he may be called back, heading back to dug up, or simply may want something to rub the bat down a little bit.

790
01:03:52,000 --> 01:03:57,000
And up he's going to get his batting helmet. He'd come up to the plate without that.

791
01:03:57,000 --> 01:04:04,000
Don't forget, Yankees and Rangers open it up. It's coming weekend at Arlington Stadium.

792
01:04:04,000 --> 01:04:08,000
Understand the trailer pickets are going rather briskly.

793
01:04:08,000 --> 01:04:17,000
Here's Cavanares standing in. Burt hitting 250. Three runs batted in. No homers in the springtime. Benicus with a sizable lead at second.

794
01:04:17,000 --> 01:04:23,000
Necro works him, and Cavanares drills at the center field. Should be able to get a run in. Here's the throw from center field.

795
01:04:23,000 --> 01:04:27,000
A full cutoff, and Benicus slides in with a fourth Ranger run of the ballgame.

796
01:04:27,000 --> 01:04:35,000
So, Cavanares steps up and hits that first pitch directly up the middle through the box on the line and dives in his fourth run of the year.

797
01:04:35,000 --> 01:04:40,000
Rangers lead it now four to one, and that's the Rangers' fourth hit of the afternoon.

798
01:04:40,000 --> 01:04:48,000
So, Necro being scuffed up here for another run in the fourth inning on a couple of base hits, plus a stolen base chopped in by Benicus.

799
01:04:48,000 --> 01:04:55,000
A runner at first, still only one man out, and Jim Sundberg, who had a fly ball to deep center, his only trip this afternoon stands in.

800
01:04:55,000 --> 01:05:01,000
Jim, bringing it 269, has a home run and driven across six runs. Top of the order, Mike Hargrove is on deck.

801
01:05:01,000 --> 01:05:10,000
We play in the last of the fourth inning in a four-one Ranger lead. Texas won the first encounter between these two teams, and then were defeated yesterday in Little Rock.

802
01:05:10,000 --> 01:05:14,000
There the ball, hit foul out of play to the right, and it's strike one.

803
01:05:14,000 --> 01:05:23,000
Rangers winning seven to five in Baton Rouge and then losing yesterday eight to one in Little Rock.

804
01:05:23,000 --> 01:05:34,000
And JR Richard, their starting pitcher, pits seven. Excellent endings, giving up only a couple of singles.

805
01:05:34,000 --> 01:05:39,000
Runner moves, pitch out, gone, and moves. Sundberg flipped the bat at it and struck the catcher.

806
01:05:39,000 --> 01:05:50,000
He stepped up in there and Ed Herman took that bat on the left hand, train her out immediately, and John's got the glasses on him, see if he can pick up anything there.

807
01:05:50,000 --> 01:05:56,000
But I think Sundberg will be allowed first base on in appearance by the catcher, and that will be the call.

808
01:05:56,000 --> 01:06:03,000
Cavanares was breaking. And moving on down. John, could you get anything with your glasses there?

809
01:06:03,000 --> 01:06:12,000
Well, Herman's got his back to us, but it looks like he's looking down around the hand area, like it might have gotten him somewhere in the left hand or maybe the fingers.

810
01:06:12,000 --> 01:06:18,000
Jim Sundberg is staying right there, the one catcher having some empathy for another.

811
01:06:18,000 --> 01:06:24,000
Bill Verden has already made the decision to go with two catchers this year, which is always a bit risky.

812
01:06:24,000 --> 01:06:29,000
And he lost his number one catcher, although we do not know for how long. It didn't appear to be too serious.

813
01:06:29,000 --> 01:06:38,000
Joe Ferguson, who injured his leg Friday night, he was going after a wild pitch and he got back to the screen and he slid and he hurt himself.

814
01:06:38,000 --> 01:06:45,000
So Ed Herman is the only regular catcher left, and now he's been hitting the hand, and I think they are going to take him out.

815
01:06:45,000 --> 01:06:49,000
Now Bill Verden, even before the season begins, has run out of catchers.

816
01:06:49,000 --> 01:07:00,000
And I think Wilbur Howard, generally an outfielder, is a man who has been working out a little bit at catcher, and he's probably the man they're going to bring into the ball game right now.

817
01:07:00,000 --> 01:07:09,000
So Bill Verden, talking with plate umpire Joe West now about that play, he wants to know how Jim Sundberg could have stayed in the batter's box,

818
01:07:09,000 --> 01:07:16,000
because he didn't throw the bat at the ball, he actually held onto it, but it looked to me like he did indeed stay in the batter's box,

819
01:07:16,000 --> 01:07:26,000
and that what happened was that Herman shot forward into the box, or right near home plate, and he just got himself into a bad predicament there.

820
01:07:26,000 --> 01:07:28,000
And Sundberg did what he's supposed to do.

821
01:07:28,000 --> 01:07:31,000
That's true, he was protecting the runner, Cabanieros, who had broken.

822
01:07:31,000 --> 01:07:41,000
It looked momentarily as though John they might have had a pitch out on, and the pitch by Necro was not that far outside, although it was outside,

823
01:07:41,000 --> 01:07:52,000
but Sundberg, in an effort to protect him, got the bat out, and as you mentioned, the catcher, Herman, stepped up to grab the ball as quickly as he could to uncork that throw,

824
01:07:52,000 --> 01:07:55,000
and when he did, he was struck with a bat on the left hand.

825
01:07:55,000 --> 01:08:02,000
Well, no doubt about it, I think that if the pitch had been where it should have been, I think there's no question that it was supposed to be a pitch out,

826
01:08:02,000 --> 01:08:09,000
Sundberg would have had to throw the bat, otherwise he would not have been able to even come close to the ball, staying in the batter's box.

827
01:08:09,000 --> 01:08:16,000
But Herman is gone, and we're hoping that it will be nothing too serious, maybe some bruises, but that's always a dangerous thing,

828
01:08:16,000 --> 01:08:25,000
to get a bat on the left hand, the exposed hand, like that, either the top of the hand or the fingertips somewhere in that area,

829
01:08:25,000 --> 01:08:33,000
appeared to be what the trainer was looking at, so hopefully it's just not anything serious, they're just getting him out of there for precautionary reasons.

830
01:08:33,000 --> 01:08:42,000
Cesar Cedeno now has come out to keep Joe Necro warm, as I would assume Wilbur Howard is getting the tools on now, and indeed he is.

831
01:08:42,000 --> 01:08:49,000
Cesar Cedeno came out with the catcher's glove, and he knelt and accepted the first warm-up toss from Necro, and then stood up, turned to the crowd and said,

832
01:08:49,000 --> 01:08:52,000
hey, how about that? They gave him a nice round of applause.

833
01:08:52,000 --> 01:08:57,000
Well, the Astro of Hollywood is coming in, John, excuse me.

834
01:08:57,000 --> 01:09:05,000
Astro is going with two catchers, and that is also something that the Rangers are going to do, with Bill Fahey having been placed on waivers,

835
01:09:05,000 --> 01:09:16,000
they'll be going with Jim Sundberg and John Ellis, and I don't know, it's how we really have a third man who's even really worked out during the springtime at catcher.

836
01:09:16,000 --> 01:09:20,000
Never forget a situation developing in California about three years ago.

837
01:09:20,000 --> 01:09:28,000
Sundberg was hit on the hand, and either on the next pitch, after he was taken out of the ballgame, Bill Fahey came in, and the first pitch,

838
01:09:28,000 --> 01:09:36,000
he also suffered a hand injury on a foul ball, and then they had to go to Lenny Randall, who was at that time playing second base for the Rangers.

839
01:09:36,000 --> 01:09:39,000
He came on and caught the ballgame and did a fine job.

840
01:09:39,000 --> 01:09:48,000
Well, I do just remember now that Campi Campaneras, as we mentioned earlier, did come up as a catcher, but I don't think they'd use Campaneras as a catcher.

841
01:09:48,000 --> 01:09:57,000
When was it? Back in 66 or 67, when the A's were still in Kansas City, Campaneras one night played all nine positions in the ballgame.

842
01:09:57,000 --> 01:10:01,000
Pitched a little. Oh, Jim's wanting a little cover.

843
01:10:01,000 --> 01:10:03,000
Still raining here. Pass this down.

844
01:10:03,000 --> 01:10:04,000
No, not in my cup.

845
01:10:04,000 --> 01:10:07,000
Herman's probably fine. He just wants to get out of the rain.

846
01:10:07,000 --> 01:10:08,000
Yeah.

847
01:10:08,000 --> 01:10:15,000
Well, he could have split a fingernail pretty easily, John, on something like that, and Edward's called a little pain.

848
01:10:15,000 --> 01:10:20,000
All right, we're ready to go, as Wilbur Howard has replaced Ed Herman behind the plate.

849
01:10:20,000 --> 01:10:30,000
And Mike Hargrove will beat the batter. Mike has struck out and grounded out. Nothing out of two. A run is in on a home run by, rather on a couple of singles in the stolen base.

850
01:10:30,000 --> 01:10:39,000
The run batted in by Burt Campaneras, who is now down on second base, and Sunberg is on, at first base, on the interference call for the plate umpire.

851
01:10:39,000 --> 01:10:46,000
First delivery, missing low for a ball. One ball and nothing. Looks like it's getting a little lighter, but the rain is still coming down.

852
01:10:46,000 --> 01:10:51,000
Michael F. and a batter came in today's ballgame, hitting a 2.55.

853
01:10:51,000 --> 01:10:58,000
As runners on board, Campaneras and Sunberg, at second and first, the outfield's shading off to the right side.

854
01:10:58,000 --> 01:11:02,000
Infield set up a double play depth with one out. Here's the pitch.

855
01:11:02,000 --> 01:11:04,000
Knuckler outside, McAdams 2-0.

856
01:11:04,000 --> 01:11:08,000
Harris on back.

857
01:11:08,000 --> 01:11:19,000
Mike will walk about 100 times a year and hit 300 for you. So he's on the base pass about 45% of the time.

858
01:11:19,000 --> 01:11:23,000
Sneak row, taking a little more time with a new catcher in there, Howard.

859
01:11:23,000 --> 01:11:32,000
And here's the pitch. Swung on, lifted high into left field, drifting into left center as the left fielder, Walling, he has it, and the runners will have to hold.

860
01:11:32,000 --> 01:11:35,000
Now two men are out, and that'll bring in Toby Harrah.

861
01:11:35,000 --> 01:11:40,000
The Hargrove lifts a high fly ball to left field, and it's Walling. Left fielder grabs it.

862
01:11:40,000 --> 01:11:45,000
Toby Harrah, who was grounded out and walked, comes on to be the next batter.

863
01:11:45,000 --> 01:11:50,000
Still two men aboard.

864
01:11:50,000 --> 01:12:02,000
Harrah has walked in each ballgame or average to walk in each game that he has appeared in this spring, 19.

865
01:12:02,000 --> 01:12:06,000
Here's a look at the first pitch, Toby, in for a strike.

866
01:12:06,000 --> 01:12:12,000
Oh, we've got that umbrella immediately in front of us again, John, and it's kind of guesswork as to what the pitches are.

867
01:12:12,000 --> 01:12:18,000
Well, I'm glad you're doing it right now, not me. I'm listening to you to find out what's happening.

868
01:12:18,000 --> 01:12:25,000
Bert Cavadaro starts his lead, Sundberg away from first base. Pitch comes in, and another strike is called, this time over the outside edge.

869
01:12:25,000 --> 01:12:32,000
The ball's two strikes. The run is in on a couple of A-sets. Rangers on a four-to-one lead.

870
01:12:32,000 --> 01:12:38,000
Game that is being spotted with Light Shower here in Geller Park in Tulsa.

871
01:12:38,000 --> 01:12:47,000
One of the Ranger farm clubs, AA, here in Tulsa. They had some fine prospects come up out of that ball club last year.

872
01:12:47,000 --> 01:12:52,000
Here's the pitch. Harrah looks at one just missing, and it's one ball, two strikes.

873
01:12:52,000 --> 01:12:58,000
Joe Nicrow has been roughed up for four runs on only four base hits.

874
01:12:58,000 --> 01:13:05,000
The Rangers have been making the most out of their base hits.

875
01:13:05,000 --> 01:13:09,000
From the belt, a check, a look back to second, Camp and Ellison. Here's the pitch.

876
01:13:09,000 --> 01:13:14,000
A drill to wrap, the base hit, Camp and Ellison in a hurry. The third, the ball is followed by Walling and Campy.

877
01:13:14,000 --> 01:13:23,000
Will score easily. The throw goes to second, and into third, Moose Thunberg, and hustling into second base is Toby Harrah.

878
01:13:23,000 --> 01:13:29,000
That'll be a hit and an error, and an RBI for Harrah. He picks up his sixth RBI of the year.

879
01:13:29,000 --> 01:13:41,000
He advances to second on the error, and Camp and Ellison comes on in to score the fifth run of the ballgame for Texas over to third base from first Moose Thunberg.

880
01:13:41,000 --> 01:13:48,000
And Al Oliver, give up a day for Joe Nicrow. He'd given up three runs total in 24 innings before today.

881
01:13:48,000 --> 01:13:52,000
Five runs on five hits.

882
01:13:52,000 --> 01:13:54,000
A couple of errors.

883
01:13:54,000 --> 01:14:00,000
Now to help the Rangers at second and third, and here's Oliver, swings, and misses strike one.

884
01:14:00,000 --> 01:14:08,000
Al hit a two-run homer over the left center field wall, deepest part of the park, as far as the height is concerned, and rammed it over there.

885
01:14:08,000 --> 01:14:12,000
He's picking up his 11th or 12th RBI's of the year. Earlier he'd fly to left.

886
01:14:12,000 --> 01:14:16,000
Nicrow ready, and in comes the pitch. Hard swing and a miss, strike two.

887
01:14:16,000 --> 01:14:23,000
No balls, two strikes, two runs are in. Five to one the Rangers.

888
01:14:23,000 --> 01:14:36,000
Harrah at second and Thunberg at third. On Beck is John Loewenstein.

889
01:14:36,000 --> 01:14:40,000
Hard swing, and a miss. Strike three, striking out, and that'll do it.

890
01:14:40,000 --> 01:14:48,000
But the Rangers come up with two more runs on three base hits, a couple of errors, and two men stranded.

891
01:14:48,000 --> 01:14:58,000
That's the end of four, and the score, Texas five and Houston one.

892
01:14:58,000 --> 01:15:05,000
Okay, we move into inning number five, and the top of the order, Terry Poole will open it up.

893
01:15:05,000 --> 01:15:16,000
Poole struck out and has been a board on an error and scored Houston's lone tally this afternoon.

894
01:15:16,000 --> 01:15:25,000
First down, I'm sure that the ball clubs with a fine turnout they have here this afternoon are determined to get in at least five innings to make it a complete ball game.

895
01:15:25,000 --> 01:15:31,000
No doubt about it. Part of the proceeds today will go to help rebuild this ballpark.

896
01:15:31,000 --> 01:15:40,000
A couple of city agencies have already agreed to bring up with 300,000, and they need another 300,000 to raise on their own.

897
01:15:40,000 --> 01:15:46,000
So the Rangers and Astros both, by playing here, are helping them build their new ballpark.

898
01:15:46,000 --> 01:15:55,000
Certainly true, and here we go as Doc Ellis starts his fifth inning and misses rather hits the inside corner at an ease for a strike.

899
01:15:55,000 --> 01:16:01,000
Enos Cabell and Cesar Cedeno will follow here in the fifth inning.

900
01:16:01,000 --> 01:16:04,000
Three hits have been doled out by Ellis.

901
01:16:04,000 --> 01:16:12,000
Next to the race one on top, first base side, Hargrove gets it, funnels it over to Ellis, and he wins the race to first for the fourth out coming down on Poole.

902
01:16:12,000 --> 01:16:18,000
So three to one to score long, Hargrove to Ellis covering on a close play at first base, and Cabell will be the batter.

903
01:16:18,000 --> 01:16:26,000
He's twice grounded out third to first.

904
01:16:26,000 --> 01:16:30,000
Number 23, third base men, Enos Cabell.

905
01:16:30,000 --> 01:16:34,000
Houston has left six men stranded in the first four at bats.

906
01:16:34,000 --> 01:16:42,000
Rangers committed a couple of errors, and Ellis has walked three batters, plus giving up the three hits.

907
01:16:42,000 --> 01:16:46,000
Here's Enos, nothing out of one.

908
01:16:46,000 --> 01:16:49,000
He takes a strike.

909
01:16:49,000 --> 01:16:59,000
Doc Ellis, last year one of the ranger finer pitchers down the final half of the season.

910
01:16:59,000 --> 01:17:01,000
Did a good job every time out.

911
01:17:01,000 --> 01:17:08,000
Just over the corner and it's one and one. One ball, one strike.

912
01:17:08,000 --> 01:17:13,000
Grass not quite showing that green that he will in another couple of weeks.

913
01:17:13,000 --> 01:17:18,000
Cabell took a little off and he pops him up shallow left field, drifting back to shortstop, Cavaneras.

914
01:17:18,000 --> 01:17:21,000
And he calls off Oliver and makes the grab for the second out.

915
01:17:21,000 --> 01:17:28,000
So Cabell pops to shortstop, bird, Cavaneras, and shallow left field, and that'll bring to the plate Cesar Cedeno.

916
01:17:28,000 --> 01:17:33,000
He's one for two this afternoon, a double to open the ball game in the first inning, and then was on on an arrow.

917
01:17:33,000 --> 01:17:36,000
Grove in a run in the third.

918
01:17:36,000 --> 01:17:42,000
John mentioned earlier he wanted to play his career out at Houston, and they gave him what is reported to be the biggest contract

919
01:17:42,000 --> 01:17:46,000
any baseball player has ever signed from three and a half million dollars.

920
01:17:46,000 --> 01:17:49,000
Give or take a few hundred thousand I guess.

921
01:17:49,000 --> 01:17:54,000
So he's pretty well lined up for the next ten years.

922
01:17:54,000 --> 01:18:00,000
Ellis works him way outside and low, ball one.

923
01:18:00,000 --> 01:18:04,000
Cesar has hit one home and driven him five runs on the year.

924
01:18:04,000 --> 01:18:10,000
He stole 61 bases with Houston last year.

925
01:18:10,000 --> 01:18:12,000
He can run and do it all.

926
01:18:12,000 --> 01:18:16,000
Here's the pitch. Took a little off, missed inside, ball two, two and up.

927
01:18:16,000 --> 01:18:21,000
That's the pitch of Ellis got Cabell to pop up to the shallow left field.

928
01:18:21,000 --> 01:18:28,000
For the second out in the inning, Cruz is on deck in case Cedeno gets the board.

929
01:18:28,000 --> 01:18:32,000
Two ball delivery, breaking pitch, just off of the corner, and Sundberg thought he had it.

930
01:18:32,000 --> 01:18:35,000
So it's three and nothing.

931
01:18:35,000 --> 01:18:41,000
Cedeno takes a look down to Tony Pacheco, the coach at third base. He'll have the green light, no doubt.

932
01:18:41,000 --> 01:18:44,000
Hey, there's the sun coming out.

933
01:18:44,000 --> 01:18:48,000
You'll hear a murmur from the crowd.

934
01:18:48,000 --> 01:18:52,000
He swings away on the three at oh and fouls it back. Strike one, three and one.

935
01:18:52,000 --> 01:18:55,000
You want to try it? Drop the top.

936
01:18:55,000 --> 01:18:56,000
I'm game.

937
01:18:56,000 --> 01:19:03,000
Tell you what, I believe if you stayed under that plastic with that sun out, if it should stay out it would really get a little warm.

938
01:19:03,000 --> 01:19:09,000
Doc Ellis all set and in rides a three one pitch. He's low with it, ball four, and that'll put a runner on.

939
01:19:09,000 --> 01:19:12,000
That's the fourth walk given up by Ellis, a little while later than he has been.

940
01:19:12,000 --> 01:19:17,000
He's walked five coming into today's action in 15 innings, one of those intentional.

941
01:19:17,000 --> 01:19:21,000
You'll be looking at left-hander batter Jose Cruz who has walked in singles.

942
01:19:21,000 --> 01:19:25,000
So Jose has been on both times, has appeared at the plate.

943
01:19:25,000 --> 01:19:29,000
Cruz a good hitter. He hit 299 for Houston last year and drove in 87 runs.

944
01:19:29,000 --> 01:19:33,000
Left-hander batter looks at a fastball low inside, ball one.

945
01:19:33,000 --> 01:19:38,000
Five, five and two for the Rangers, one, three and two for Houston.

946
01:19:38,000 --> 01:19:42,000
Rangers will work Steve Comer who worked here at Tulsa some last year.

947
01:19:42,000 --> 01:19:46,000
Hard swing and a miss and the count is one ball, one strike.

948
01:19:46,000 --> 01:19:51,000
Sadano, you can run, is on at first base.

949
01:19:51,000 --> 01:19:53,000
He's had a sore knee.

950
01:19:53,000 --> 01:19:59,000
Bill Burden, we mentioned yesterday, says that he's kind of a loose-jointed young man and he's going.

951
01:19:59,000 --> 01:20:01,000
He got a big jump now, he holds up.

952
01:20:01,000 --> 01:20:04,000
Well, he faked and the ball is fouled away.

953
01:20:04,000 --> 01:20:07,000
One ball, two strikes on Cruz.

954
01:20:07,000 --> 01:20:09,000
Here last year was a pretty good ball club.

955
01:20:09,000 --> 01:20:17,000
I think they play a split schedule and they won the first half and then they eventually lost in the league championship playoffs to Arkansas.

956
01:20:17,000 --> 01:20:21,000
But Danny Darwin had a fine year. Comer was pretty good here.

957
01:20:21,000 --> 01:20:24,000
Sure did and this Darwin, of course, the Rangers have great hopes for him.

958
01:20:24,000 --> 01:20:26,000
Here's the pitch, reach for and tap foul to the left side.

959
01:20:26,000 --> 01:20:29,000
The count remains one ball, two strikes.

960
01:20:29,000 --> 01:20:35,000
Darwin here was 13-4 last year and a 2.51 earned run average.

961
01:20:35,000 --> 01:20:38,000
Every one of his statistics was glowing last year.

962
01:20:38,000 --> 01:20:49,000
It certainly was and every ball club of the majors, anytime you mentioned trade, the first name they bring up of the young players was always Darwin.

963
01:20:49,000 --> 01:20:53,000
The Rangers had no idea of letting him get away, however.

964
01:20:53,000 --> 01:20:58,000
He was one young man that felt that another year in the minors would be much better for him.

965
01:20:58,000 --> 01:21:01,000
The runner moves, the pitcher swung on, drill to right, base hit on the ground.

966
01:21:01,000 --> 01:21:09,000
Today in your round second, he'll open to third base as Washington Field returns and with two outs, Houston has runners at the corners.

967
01:21:09,000 --> 01:21:14,000
So Cruz gets his second hit. He's done it on all three times, two for two plus a lot.

968
01:21:14,000 --> 01:21:26,000
And at the fourth, base hit given up by Ellis, he's only been scarred for one un-earned run.

969
01:21:26,000 --> 01:21:29,000
And here's Dave Bergman, the first baseman, walked and struck out.

970
01:21:29,000 --> 01:21:33,000
He was called out on strikes back in the third inning, left hander batter.

971
01:21:33,000 --> 01:21:46,000
Matthew pulling him well off to the right side. Benekes in center and Oliver in left field. Oliver way over in left center.

972
01:21:46,000 --> 01:21:51,000
Kerrball gets away from Sundberg, low in the dirt and coming on to score as the throw comes in and it's not in time.

973
01:21:51,000 --> 01:21:58,000
The ball out of the glove of Ellis. He tried to apply the tag but not in time.

974
01:21:58,000 --> 01:22:05,000
And Cedeno scores on a wild pitch by Ellis, allowing Cruz to move up to second base.

975
01:22:05,000 --> 01:22:12,000
Now it's a five to two ball game. It was a breaking pitch, low in the dirt and skipped out of the net of Sundberg and rolled off to the right.

976
01:22:12,000 --> 01:22:22,000
Sonny hustled the ball up quickly, fed it to Ellis who came in to cover at home plate but the tag was not quite in time and the ball got away from Ellis.

977
01:22:22,000 --> 01:22:27,000
Count of a ball and here's the pitch in there, strike called one and one.

978
01:22:27,000 --> 01:22:33,000
Dave Bergman, the left handed first baseman. Bob Watson will have that job when the season begins.

979
01:22:33,000 --> 01:22:41,000
Bob also along with Bergeson in Houston undergoing x-ray treatment for a check on a bruise that he sustained in the game day before.

980
01:22:41,000 --> 01:22:49,000
Oh a bad hop, gets Wills in the face and down he goes and coming on to score is Jose Cruz.

981
01:22:49,000 --> 01:22:58,000
That ball bounding towards second and Wills right in front of it to play it and it took a high hard hop right up into his face.

982
01:22:58,000 --> 01:23:07,000
And at first is Bergman, all the players darting quickly along with trainer Bill Ziegler and manager Bill Hunter out there.

983
01:23:07,000 --> 01:23:10,000
And that was a smash right up into the face.

984
01:23:10,000 --> 01:23:21,000
If you're listening to this on any YouTube channel other than Classic Baseball on the Radio, be sure to check out the YouTube channel Classic Baseball on the Radio.

985
01:23:21,000 --> 01:23:24,000
This game was first posted.

986
01:23:24,000 --> 01:23:32,000
Earlier in the practice Hargrove sustained a ball that stuck in near the cheekbone.

987
01:23:32,000 --> 01:23:38,000
Apparently Wills is going to stay on the ball game. Right now we have a moment let's pause 10 seconds for station identification.

988
01:23:38,000 --> 01:23:40,000
This is the Texas Rangers Baseball Network.

989
01:23:40,000 --> 01:23:44,000
This is WBAP 820 Fort Worth. Monday is Oldies night at the Sunset.

990
01:23:44,000 --> 01:23:50,000
3608 South Cooper, Arlington. The Sunset.

991
01:23:50,000 --> 01:23:58,000
Wills staying in and the players returning to their positions along with Bill Hunter back to the dugout, Bill Ziegler also back over there.

992
01:23:58,000 --> 01:24:03,000
And the batter right now is Dennis Walling the left fielder. He's nothing out of two.

993
01:24:03,000 --> 01:24:11,000
One man on, a run was in on that play and infielder hit. Bad hop. There's a foul cut back to the screen. Strike one.

994
01:24:11,000 --> 01:24:14,000
So Houston coming back.

995
01:24:14,000 --> 01:24:17,000
They get a 5-3 ball game.

996
01:24:17,000 --> 01:24:20,000
A walk, a base hit.

997
01:24:20,000 --> 01:24:24,000
So while Pitch got a run and then bad hop single. There's a curve ball hit.

998
01:24:24,000 --> 01:24:28,000
Deep to left center field and a hurry as Vanekas he's on the move. They're not going to get that.

999
01:24:28,000 --> 01:24:33,000
Picks it up on the dead run off of the wall. Here's the throw to the infielder coming on trying to score and will do so standing.

1000
01:24:33,000 --> 01:24:41,000
As the throw is cut off in the infielder's Bergman. He scores from first base on a two base wallop drilled in the alley in left center field.

1001
01:24:41,000 --> 01:24:48,000
So a double makes it a 5-4 ball game.

1002
01:24:48,000 --> 01:24:52,000
Now let's check. Three runs here in the inning.

1003
01:24:52,000 --> 01:24:57,000
And a high ball game it is now. Or am I wrong, John?

1004
01:24:57,000 --> 01:25:01,000
Well the scoreboard has just put up a five spot but it is 5-4.

1005
01:25:01,000 --> 01:25:05,000
I was thinking that they did not have that other run.

1006
01:25:05,000 --> 01:25:09,000
See this infielder is really in miserable shape.

1007
01:25:09,000 --> 01:25:12,000
Well they have not had a chance with the weather being such to work it like it needs to be.

1008
01:25:12,000 --> 01:25:16,000
Here's a little tap heading toward Wills at second. Off of the bat of Howe.

1009
01:25:16,000 --> 01:25:19,000
Grabbed by Wills. Ditched on over to Hargrove.

1010
01:25:19,000 --> 01:25:24,000
Followed the outs. So a slow roller second base way off of the bat of Howe results in the outs.

1011
01:25:24,000 --> 01:25:29,000
Well the Astros get three runs on three base hits.

1012
01:25:29,000 --> 01:25:33,000
A strand of runner. We go to the bottom of the fifth inning with a score now.

1013
01:25:33,000 --> 01:25:35,000
Texas five and Houston four.

1014
01:25:35,000 --> 01:25:40,000
Boy it's really exciting being here at the MB500. What do they call this place?

1015
01:25:40,000 --> 01:25:41,000
The cafeteria.

1016
01:25:41,000 --> 01:25:43,000
Really? You new here? How can you tell?

1017
01:25:43,000 --> 01:25:48,000
You're wearing your racing helmet. I'm practicing. During lunch practice makes perfect. Would you pass the assault?

1018
01:25:48,000 --> 01:25:50,000
Sure. So what are you driving this year?

1019
01:25:50,000 --> 01:25:53,000
What do you think of that? You're driving a piece of paper?

1020
01:25:53,000 --> 01:25:57,000
That's my champion Indy 500 sweepstakes entry form. You can eat that roll.

1021
01:25:57,000 --> 01:25:58,000
Eventually.

1022
01:25:58,000 --> 01:26:03,000
Well champion has won at Indy 38 times and this year they're giving me the chance to win with a winner.

1023
01:26:03,000 --> 01:26:05,000
To be eligible all I do is pick a winner and fill out the entry form.

1024
01:26:05,000 --> 01:26:07,000
I noticed you filled it out in crayon.

1025
01:26:07,000 --> 01:26:09,000
Mom won't let me have any sharp arms.

1026
01:26:09,000 --> 01:26:10,000
Put down that spoon okay.

1027
01:26:10,000 --> 01:26:16,000
For the first time in the history of the Indy 500 you have a chance to share in the excitement of winning at Indy.

1028
01:26:16,000 --> 01:26:25,000
Champions Indy 500 sweepstakes. Anyone who is 16 or older is eligible to win prizes totaling $250,000 with a first prize of $25,000.

1029
01:26:25,000 --> 01:26:30,000
No purchase necessary. Details and entry forms that participating champions spark plug retailers.

1030
01:26:30,000 --> 01:26:33,000
Offer void were prohibited by law.

1031
01:26:35,000 --> 01:26:42,000
Texas Ranger Ticket Agencies will begin operations on Monday, April 3rd for the convenience of Ranger fans in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.

1032
01:26:42,000 --> 01:26:48,000
Danger tickets will be available at all major Sears stores including the Metroplex, Temple, Tyler and Wichita Falls.

1033
01:26:48,000 --> 01:27:02,000
All major Montgomery Ward stores, Preston Ticket Agency in Dallas, Amusement Ticket Service in Dallas and Fort Worth, Central Ticket Office in Fort Worth, North Star Pharmacy in Garland, Sun Rexel Drug in Richardson, and Citizen Travel Agency in Denison.

1034
01:27:02,000 --> 01:27:12,000
Fans may also purchase tickets at Arlington Stadium from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, and from noon until 5 on Sunday.

1035
01:27:12,000 --> 01:27:26,000
Additional information concerning Ranger tickets may be obtained by calling area code 817-273-5100 or by writing to ticket manager post office box 1111 Arlington, Texas.

1036
01:27:26,000 --> 01:27:29,000
Zip code is 76010.

1037
01:27:29,000 --> 01:27:36,000
Leading off the Texas fifth, number six, the designated hitter, John Lowenstein.

1038
01:27:36,000 --> 01:27:42,000
John Lowenstein will start it off for the Rangers in the bottom of the fifth inning.

1039
01:27:45,000 --> 01:27:54,000
John is homered in two trips. Takes a pitch up high at an ocean but laid off as the ball was up out of the strike zone for ball one.

1040
01:27:54,000 --> 01:27:59,000
Lowenstein, Washington, and Benique is slated to bat against right-hander Joe Nicrow.

1041
01:27:59,000 --> 01:28:04,000
Houston pulling up within one now. Rangers lead it by 5-4.

1042
01:28:04,000 --> 01:28:20,000
Pitch starts off the nip of Wilbur Howard. I can imagine Wilbur really relishes the thought of being forced into catching a knuckleballer as the game ends as Ed Herman, hit on the hand by a bat, had to be taken out of the ballgame.

1043
01:28:20,000 --> 01:28:26,000
Nicrow right here, the 2-0 delivery. Slips a fastball over but it's down low and the count is 3-0.

1044
01:28:26,000 --> 01:28:31,000
Lowenstein looks down third base way to see if Connie Ryan has anything for him.

1045
01:28:31,000 --> 01:28:36,000
And hometowner Fred Keeney is here in Tulsa working up at first base.

1046
01:28:36,000 --> 01:28:40,000
Three-o pitch, a fastball, he lost him inside. Ball four.

1047
01:28:40,000 --> 01:28:43,000
Lowenstein takes up station at first base.

1048
01:28:43,000 --> 01:28:46,000
Fourth walk, given up by the right-hander.

1049
01:28:46,000 --> 01:28:52,000
That'll bring to the plate Claudel Washington, not been able to solve the offerings of Nicrow so far this afternoon.

1050
01:28:52,000 --> 01:28:55,000
He's struck out and hit back to the mound.

1051
01:28:55,000 --> 01:29:01,000
Was tossed out, kept there with nobody down, had a runner on it first.

1052
01:29:01,000 --> 01:29:04,000
Claudel came in today, hitting it 180.

1053
01:29:04,000 --> 01:29:11,000
Of course, you baseball fans know he was injured in a basketball accident, twisting an ankle, spraining it.

1054
01:29:11,000 --> 01:29:17,000
Looks at a high knuckler for ball one and got underway a little late in sprain grinding, John.

1055
01:29:17,000 --> 01:29:22,000
He said he was going to try a super-duper 360-degree turn slam dunk.

1056
01:29:22,000 --> 01:29:27,000
He did it, held the rim and came down crooked and that's where he hurt himself.

1057
01:29:27,000 --> 01:29:30,000
Little tap back over the Mowoo. It's Spearman Nicrow goes to the shortstop one there.

1058
01:29:30,000 --> 01:29:33,000
Back to first, pulled him off and he's safe at first.

1059
01:29:33,000 --> 01:29:39,000
Sexton had to cover and the throw was a little bit high to Sexton covering

1060
01:29:39,000 --> 01:29:44,000
on the force of John Lowenstein coming down and then Sexton's throw up to first baseman Bergman.

1061
01:29:44,000 --> 01:29:51,000
Pulled him to the inside off of the bag and Washington, who can really run, was safe at first base on the fielder's choice.

1062
01:29:51,000 --> 01:29:54,000
One-sixth put out and there's one gone.

1063
01:29:54,000 --> 01:30:00,000
I asked Claudel as soon as his ankle got better if he was going to do that slam dunk again real soon.

1064
01:30:00,000 --> 01:30:02,000
He said no, probably not.

1065
01:30:02,000 --> 01:30:05,000
Well, he ought to tell him also it's illegal to hold onto the rim.

1066
01:30:05,000 --> 01:30:07,000
Technical foul, right?

1067
01:30:07,000 --> 01:30:09,000
Here we go, Benekis, that he scored a run.

1068
01:30:09,000 --> 01:30:15,000
Swings, bounces one slowly, third base way, whoop, off of the chest of Cabell, comes up and hits him in the nose.

1069
01:30:15,000 --> 01:30:17,000
And all hands will be saved.

1070
01:30:17,000 --> 01:30:21,000
Down to second moves Washington and Benekis is on at first base.

1071
01:30:21,000 --> 01:30:27,000
That's going to be scored as an error but Cabell immediately as he chased that ball down and foul ground

1072
01:30:27,000 --> 01:30:31,000
was reaching up and holding the nose but apparently no worse for wear.

1073
01:30:31,000 --> 01:30:36,000
And that is the third error committed by Houston this afternoon.

1074
01:30:36,000 --> 01:30:38,000
That's three balls now in this game.

1075
01:30:38,000 --> 01:30:42,000
Campanella said one hit him in the chest, Wills in the top of the center, now Cabell.

1076
01:30:42,000 --> 01:30:46,000
Saw him at Hargrove after he was hit in pregame practice.

1077
01:30:46,000 --> 01:30:52,000
He said you've got to be crazy to stay down in the ball in this kind of an infield.

1078
01:30:52,000 --> 01:30:55,000
And I think one by one they're all learning that now.

1079
01:30:55,000 --> 01:31:01,000
Here's Sandy Alomar coming on to play for Wills who has struck Sandy up for the first time.

1080
01:31:01,000 --> 01:31:05,000
Check swing and it kicks off foul.

1081
01:31:05,000 --> 01:31:12,000
Sandy came in the ball game late in the game yesterday and promptly had a base hit.

1082
01:31:12,000 --> 01:31:14,000
He's a good man to come off of the bench.

1083
01:31:14,000 --> 01:31:16,000
Well I hear some more of that thunder.

1084
01:31:16,000 --> 01:31:18,000
I hope the rain drops will stay away.

1085
01:31:18,000 --> 01:31:20,000
Nonetheless they have been able to get the ball game in.

1086
01:31:20,000 --> 01:31:26,000
Rangers leading at five to four with one out, have a couple of men aboard, walk and an error.

1087
01:31:26,000 --> 01:31:29,000
High and jumps out of the middle.

1088
01:31:29,000 --> 01:31:33,000
Howard stayed in the air and he reached out and plucked it to keep it from getting by

1089
01:31:33,000 --> 01:31:35,000
and holds the runners.

1090
01:31:35,000 --> 01:31:37,000
Both can run and run well.

1091
01:31:37,000 --> 01:31:40,000
Washington down at second and Benique is on at first base.

1092
01:31:40,000 --> 01:31:45,000
That last pitch when he got the home plate looked like a balloon that had the air starting to fly out of it.

1093
01:31:45,000 --> 01:31:46,000
Just took off.

1094
01:31:46,000 --> 01:31:49,000
Certainly did and then jumped right off of the top of the mitt.

1095
01:31:49,000 --> 01:31:51,000
But Howard grabbed in midair.

1096
01:31:51,000 --> 01:31:55,000
Here's the next pitch. Benique Brohard fastball and he swings as Alomar misses.

1097
01:31:55,000 --> 01:31:57,000
And the count is two balls, one strike.

1098
01:31:57,000 --> 01:32:02,000
One out and two men aboard for the Rangers.

1099
01:32:02,000 --> 01:32:10,000
Dixon may see some action this afternoon for Houston along with Zamora.

1100
01:32:10,000 --> 01:32:14,000
Rangers probably will pitch Comer.

1101
01:32:14,000 --> 01:32:20,000
As the ball reached far and popped foul, third base side, Howard comes off of the mass under it and he has it for the out.

1102
01:32:20,000 --> 01:32:30,000
So will the Howard staying with a foul ball off of the bat of Alomar and grabs it for out number two.

1103
01:32:30,000 --> 01:32:32,000
I'll leave it right now up to Burt Cabaneras.

1104
01:32:32,000 --> 01:32:35,000
Burt coming over having a couple of words with Howard.

1105
01:32:35,000 --> 01:32:40,000
Apparently pulling him on a little bit about chasing that foul ball down.

1106
01:32:40,000 --> 01:32:44,000
Cabaneras has walked and has singled driven in a run.

1107
01:32:44,000 --> 01:32:46,000
So he's one for one this afternoon.

1108
01:32:46,000 --> 01:32:47,000
Also has scored a run.

1109
01:32:47,000 --> 01:32:52,000
Burt hitting 250 with four runs batted in and the springtime.

1110
01:32:52,000 --> 01:32:56,000
Each ball club with five hits and there's been a total of five errors.

1111
01:32:56,000 --> 01:33:04,000
Some rocks in the infield, I noticed Hargrove after he was struck, he went over and picked up that rock and threw it out of the ballpark.

1112
01:33:04,000 --> 01:33:05,000
Over the right field wall.

1113
01:33:05,000 --> 01:33:12,000
Hard swing by Cabaneras, fails to pick up a breaking pitch from Necro, one of the priorities, but he will throw the fastball.

1114
01:33:12,000 --> 01:33:15,000
As John mentioned earlier, he's got a pretty good one.

1115
01:33:15,000 --> 01:33:17,000
Wilbur Wood does not throw as hard as Necro.

1116
01:33:17,000 --> 01:33:21,000
Actually I think Wilbur uses his more as a change up.

1117
01:33:21,000 --> 01:33:22,000
Here's the strike delivery.

1118
01:33:22,000 --> 01:33:24,000
Bouncing ball shortstop way.

1119
01:33:24,000 --> 01:33:27,000
Up with it Sexton goes over for the fourth out to Howell.

1120
01:33:27,000 --> 01:33:29,000
On the runner, Benica's coming down.

1121
01:33:29,000 --> 01:33:32,000
So nothing doing here in the fifth inning for the Rangers.

1122
01:33:32,000 --> 01:33:36,000
We go to the sixth with the score, Texas five and Houston four.

1123
01:33:36,000 --> 01:33:38,000
Cheechy check, cheechy check, cheechy check.

1124
01:33:38,000 --> 01:33:40,000
Checking that box.

1125
01:33:40,000 --> 01:33:41,000
We're really cooking now.

1126
01:33:41,000 --> 01:33:43,000
A jungle jack, a moldy jack, a bonus jack.

1127
01:33:43,000 --> 01:33:45,000
A superscope, a spryer, have a practice jack.

1128
01:33:45,000 --> 01:33:48,000
The onion, the natural thumb, the soup, the sauce, the silver ball.

1129
01:33:48,000 --> 01:33:49,000
The tacos, really suck away.

1130
01:33:49,000 --> 01:33:51,000
The food never stops at jacking the box.

1131
01:33:51,000 --> 01:33:54,000
The food never stops at jacking the box.

1132
01:33:54,000 --> 01:33:56,000
Cheechy check, cheechy check, cheechy check.

1133
01:33:56,000 --> 01:33:57,000
Jacking that box.

1134
01:33:57,000 --> 01:33:59,000
Now you're cooking jack.

1135
01:33:59,000 --> 01:34:01,000
Jacking the box restaurant.

1136
01:34:01,000 --> 01:34:02,000
Jacking the box.

1137
01:34:02,000 --> 01:34:04,000
We're really cooking now.

1138
01:34:04,000 --> 01:34:12,000
You weave people, fabrics, and ideas into the fashions the world is wearing season after season.

1139
01:34:12,000 --> 01:34:13,000
It's your business.

1140
01:34:13,000 --> 01:34:15,000
It's big business.

1141
01:34:15,000 --> 01:34:19,000
And if you don't deliver the goods on time, nothing else counts.

1142
01:34:19,000 --> 01:34:20,000
We understand.

1143
01:34:20,000 --> 01:34:27,000
So at First National Bank in Dallas, when we do business with any business, we give you just what you expect from yourself.

1144
01:34:27,000 --> 01:34:30,000
At First in Dallas, we give you results.

1145
01:34:30,000 --> 01:34:31,000
Results.

1146
01:34:31,000 --> 01:34:33,000
The real measure of a bet.

1147
01:34:33,000 --> 01:34:37,000
If your car needs a tune-up, here's one way you might start saving gasoline.

1148
01:34:37,000 --> 01:34:43,000
Have your cars engine tuned at Bob Wilkerson Battery and Air Conditioning at their new location, 2900 West 6th Street, Fort Worth.

1149
01:34:43,000 --> 01:34:47,000
They'll make sure you get your tune-up with quality AC Delco tune-up parts.

1150
01:34:47,000 --> 01:34:51,000
Delco Renewed Points and Condensers are engineered to help give you responsive performance.

1151
01:34:51,000 --> 01:34:53,000
They can save you gas, and that'll save you money.

1152
01:34:53,000 --> 01:35:03,000
So get a tune-up today with quality AC Delco tune-up parts at Bob Wilkerson Battery and Air Conditioning at their new location, 2900 West 6th Street, Fort Worth.

1153
01:35:03,000 --> 01:35:11,000
...the late-off batter, but up for the first time this afternoon, Wilbur Howard.

1154
01:35:11,000 --> 01:35:15,000
Wilbur Howard came on to replace starter Ed Herman.

1155
01:35:15,000 --> 01:35:18,000
Struck on the hem, will lead it off.

1156
01:35:18,000 --> 01:35:21,000
Howard, a left-handed batter.

1157
01:35:21,000 --> 01:35:23,000
Over-hitting it.

1158
01:35:23,000 --> 01:35:24,000
Wilbur Howard.

1159
01:35:24,000 --> 01:35:30,000
Well, he's having a good game as a period in 11 ball games now, and has seven hits and 18 trips to the plate.

1160
01:35:30,000 --> 01:35:32,000
Looks at one low for ball one.

1161
01:35:32,000 --> 01:35:39,000
Doc Allen in touch for five base hits and four runs.

1162
01:35:39,000 --> 01:35:43,000
Howard, a left-handed swinger, has him up and shading off to the right side.

1163
01:35:43,000 --> 01:35:52,000
Sends a fly ball high and fairly deep, and Al Oliver drifts over into left center, gets him 100th and grabs it in front of the 370 sign for the first out.

1164
01:35:52,000 --> 01:35:59,000
So a high and lazy fly off at the bat of Howard retires the first fan here in the sixth inning.

1165
01:35:59,000 --> 01:36:03,000
Jimmy Sexton, right-handed hitting shortstop, will bat.

1166
01:36:03,000 --> 01:36:05,000
He's hitting 222 in the spring.

1167
01:36:05,000 --> 01:36:07,000
Number 24, shortstop Jimmy Sexton.

1168
01:36:07,000 --> 01:36:09,000
Upfield playing him just about straight away.

1169
01:36:09,000 --> 01:36:11,000
They bunch a little bit towards center on him.

1170
01:36:11,000 --> 01:36:20,000
Enfield straight away, and Doc Ellis comes to him with a fast ball off the quarter ball one.

1171
01:36:20,000 --> 01:36:22,000
John, who's going to be the opening day pitcher for the Rangers?

1172
01:36:22,000 --> 01:36:27,000
Looks like John Matlack and Ron Gidry will battle it out on Saturday.

1173
01:36:27,000 --> 01:36:29,000
A couple of pretty fair left-handers.

1174
01:36:29,000 --> 01:36:33,000
Not bad.

1175
01:36:33,000 --> 01:36:38,000
Here's the one-and-oh delivery and a breaking pitch right in at the knees for a call strike, one-and-one.

1176
01:36:38,000 --> 01:36:41,000
Ellis keeps that ball down on most occasions.

1177
01:36:41,000 --> 01:36:46,000
He'll nibble around the edges and does a good job when he has that control, which he normally has.

1178
01:36:46,000 --> 01:36:47,000
There's the one-one pitch.

1179
01:36:47,000 --> 01:36:50,000
Breaking pitch stays in sight on him, and it's two-and-one.

1180
01:36:50,000 --> 01:36:57,000
And the right-handed hitter steps up, looks to check out to see what he might have in mind at third base.

1181
01:36:57,000 --> 01:36:58,000
Two-and-one to count.

1182
01:36:58,000 --> 01:36:59,000
One man gone.

1183
01:36:59,000 --> 01:37:00,000
Here's the pitch.

1184
01:37:00,000 --> 01:37:03,000
Ooh, has a sharp breaker, but way out of the strike zone.

1185
01:37:03,000 --> 01:37:06,000
Count moves along to three balls, one strike.

1186
01:37:06,000 --> 01:37:12,000
John Matlack has really had a good spring, and he's a classy ball player.

1187
01:37:12,000 --> 01:37:19,000
He's got a classic windup, and he got bumped around a little bit in the last inning he pitched in Baton Rouge,

1188
01:37:19,000 --> 01:37:24,000
but his first five innings and then last Sunday against Cincinnati, just dynamite.

1189
01:37:24,000 --> 01:37:27,000
He's always around to play, makes him hit it on the ground or pop it up.

1190
01:37:27,000 --> 01:37:29,000
He's a fine pitcher, a real technician.

1191
01:37:29,000 --> 01:37:31,000
Here's the three-one delivery.

1192
01:37:31,000 --> 01:37:32,000
Breaking ball is right in.

1193
01:37:32,000 --> 01:37:39,000
Full count, three-two, and Sexton was ready to start toward first base, but played on fire.

1194
01:37:39,000 --> 01:37:42,000
Joe West, that a strike it is, and it's a full count.

1195
01:37:42,000 --> 01:37:47,000
Speaking of Matlack, he also wants to prove something as a result of things that happened to him last year.

1196
01:37:47,000 --> 01:37:51,000
Missing inside with a fast ball is Ellis, and Sexton goes to first base on the walk.

1197
01:37:51,000 --> 01:37:54,000
The fifth given up by Ellis this afternoon.

1198
01:37:54,000 --> 01:38:00,000
So there's one on, the tie run with one out, and we head to the top of the order, and Terry Poole, center fielder.

1199
01:38:00,000 --> 01:38:02,000
He's nothing out of four years.

1200
01:38:02,000 --> 01:38:03,000
Center forward and score to run.

1201
01:38:03,000 --> 01:38:06,000
Result of an error on the third inning.

1202
01:38:06,000 --> 01:38:09,000
Left-handed batter hitting 278.

1203
01:38:09,000 --> 01:38:11,000
He appeared in 60 games for Houston last year.

1204
01:38:11,000 --> 01:38:15,000
From the bell to check by Ellis, and the pitch, fast ball is one and a miss.

1205
01:38:15,000 --> 01:38:18,000
Ran that one away from the left-handed batter.

1206
01:38:18,000 --> 01:38:24,000
Count of a strike.

1207
01:38:24,000 --> 01:38:26,000
Well, we got the ball game in.

1208
01:38:26,000 --> 01:38:30,000
Rangers leading it right now, five-four as we play on the top of the sixth inning.

1209
01:38:30,000 --> 01:38:33,000
There was some doubts as the throw goes over to first base.

1210
01:38:33,000 --> 01:38:35,000
Josh to keep Sexton fairly close.

1211
01:38:35,000 --> 01:38:37,000
Hardgrove holds against him.

1212
01:38:37,000 --> 01:38:41,000
Enfield with one out has set up and double-played that par on near the grass.

1213
01:38:41,000 --> 01:38:45,000
Third base, ball is swung on and trickles foul off to the right.

1214
01:38:45,000 --> 01:38:47,000
And Doc Ellis works in front.

1215
01:38:47,000 --> 01:38:49,000
Now the leadoff batter.

1216
01:38:49,000 --> 01:38:54,000
Center fielder Terry Poole batting one out, one on.

1217
01:38:54,000 --> 01:38:56,000
Storing came early for the Rangers today.

1218
01:38:56,000 --> 01:39:03,000
They got a run in the second inning, a couple in the third, and a couple in the fourth.

1219
01:39:03,000 --> 01:39:06,000
Here's the 0-2 delivery by Ellis.

1220
01:39:06,000 --> 01:39:08,000
Ooh, he almost hit him.

1221
01:39:08,000 --> 01:39:11,000
And the batter, Poole had to do an adagio.

1222
01:39:11,000 --> 01:39:14,000
Well, it did tip him. Yep, it did tag him just barely.

1223
01:39:14,000 --> 01:39:18,000
And Poole goes on down to first base being hit by the pitch.

1224
01:39:18,000 --> 01:39:22,000
That'll move the tying run over to second base from the person of Jimmy Sexton.

1225
01:39:22,000 --> 01:39:28,000
So Ellis has hit a man, and he has two runners aboard with only one out.

1226
01:39:28,000 --> 01:39:31,000
And he's going to be looking at the meat part of the batting order.

1227
01:39:31,000 --> 01:39:32,000
And what are we doing?

1228
01:39:32,000 --> 01:39:34,000
You know, Cabell.

1229
01:39:34,000 --> 01:39:38,000
He's having out of three. He's grounded out twice and popped the short.

1230
01:39:38,000 --> 01:39:40,000
Two on, one out.

1231
01:39:40,000 --> 01:39:42,000
Enfield looking for the double-play ball.

1232
01:39:42,000 --> 01:39:44,000
Harrah even with the bag at third.

1233
01:39:44,000 --> 01:39:49,000
Hitch in around second a little bit for the right-hander batter.

1234
01:39:49,000 --> 01:39:51,000
Ellis slows down the tempo.

1235
01:39:51,000 --> 01:39:54,000
The adagio will work extremely fast with nobody aboard,

1236
01:39:54,000 --> 01:39:58,000
but Sundberg will slow him down when he gets men aboard.

1237
01:39:58,000 --> 01:39:59,000
Here's a look.

1238
01:39:59,000 --> 01:40:01,000
The runners move, and the ball is taken right down the middle.

1239
01:40:01,000 --> 01:40:02,000
The throw goes to third.

1240
01:40:02,000 --> 01:40:04,000
He is safe at third.

1241
01:40:04,000 --> 01:40:06,000
A double, well, not a double steal.

1242
01:40:06,000 --> 01:40:10,000
The runner at first held on and Sexton swipes third.

1243
01:40:10,000 --> 01:40:14,000
That throw came in a little bit low, but it was scooped up by Harrah,

1244
01:40:14,000 --> 01:40:16,000
but the ball bounced up.

1245
01:40:16,000 --> 01:40:20,000
And as it bounced up, Harrah had to take it a little bit higher than he normally would like to have.

1246
01:40:20,000 --> 01:40:23,000
And the runner slid right beneath it for a stolen base.

1247
01:40:23,000 --> 01:40:28,000
That's something you won't see too often as anyone stealing third base on Sundberg,

1248
01:40:28,000 --> 01:40:31,000
but Sexton got a great jump on pitcher Doc Ellis.

1249
01:40:31,000 --> 01:40:36,000
The runners now at first and third, one strike count on Cabell.

1250
01:40:36,000 --> 01:40:39,000
Tyrone is over at third base, and Ellis works slow tap,

1251
01:40:39,000 --> 01:40:41,000
reaching for a low delivery and fouling it to strike two.

1252
01:40:41,000 --> 01:40:42,000
John?

1253
01:40:42,000 --> 01:40:46,000
Well, a lot of base runners will tell you sometimes it's easier to steal third base than second,

1254
01:40:46,000 --> 01:40:48,000
especially with a right-handed hitter up there.

1255
01:40:48,000 --> 01:40:51,000
The catcher doesn't have a real good look at third in the first place,

1256
01:40:51,000 --> 01:40:56,000
and a lot of times a pitcher really won't work that hard at keeping a man close at second base.

1257
01:40:56,000 --> 01:40:58,000
You can get a much bigger lead over there.

1258
01:40:58,000 --> 01:41:01,000
In fact, you never have a guy standing right on the bag to hold you over there.

1259
01:41:01,000 --> 01:41:02,000
That's certainly true.

1260
01:41:02,000 --> 01:41:03,000
He's still at him, I think.

1261
01:41:03,000 --> 01:41:06,000
The throw is there, but a little bit low, as you said, as you described it,

1262
01:41:06,000 --> 01:41:10,000
and Harrah had to come up a little bit with the glove, and just as he did, he slid under it.

1263
01:41:10,000 --> 01:41:13,000
All right, here's Ellis' next delivery, hit right off of the fist.

1264
01:41:13,000 --> 01:41:14,000
Slow tap's going to be trouble.

1265
01:41:14,000 --> 01:41:16,000
Harrah charged, and he'll have no play.

1266
01:41:16,000 --> 01:41:19,000
So an infield tap right down the third-base side.

1267
01:41:19,000 --> 01:41:22,000
Harrah charging from third, granted, looks no play anywhere,

1268
01:41:22,000 --> 01:41:25,000
and an infield hit has tied the ballgame at five.

1269
01:41:25,000 --> 01:41:29,000
Coming on to score a sexton from third, Poole goes over to second,

1270
01:41:29,000 --> 01:41:34,000
and Cabell gets his fifth RBI of the year on an infield tap.

1271
01:41:34,000 --> 01:41:39,000
So it's a 5-5 ballgame, seventh hit given up by Ellis this afternoon,

1272
01:41:39,000 --> 01:41:42,000
and that will bring on Cerdeno.

1273
01:41:42,000 --> 01:41:45,000
He has doubled, been out on an error, and walked.

1274
01:41:45,000 --> 01:41:50,000
Scored a run, driven in a run, had a double in the first inning.

1275
01:41:50,000 --> 01:41:53,000
Well, that was one of those deals you do or you don't,

1276
01:41:53,000 --> 01:41:59,000
and by the time Harrah could charge that ball, get in to pick up, he looked, but he had no play.

1277
01:41:59,000 --> 01:42:00,000
Goy had run it second.

1278
01:42:00,000 --> 01:42:08,000
Cerdeno sucks to go and checks and does so in time on a pitch that's inside, down a field, and it's a ball.

1279
01:42:08,000 --> 01:42:10,000
One ball and nothing.

1280
01:42:10,000 --> 01:42:17,000
Tie ballgame, and the Astros have been chopping away here in the middle innings.

1281
01:42:17,000 --> 01:42:21,000
After being down, they come back to tie it up at five.

1282
01:42:21,000 --> 01:42:23,000
Ellis still in trouble.

1283
01:42:23,000 --> 01:42:26,000
Breaking ball, kicked off of the shin guard of Thunberg,

1284
01:42:26,000 --> 01:42:30,000
rolls the right, but no advancement by Poole down at second,

1285
01:42:30,000 --> 01:42:33,000
and Cabell at first base.

1286
01:42:33,000 --> 01:42:36,000
Down of two balls and nothing, breaking pitch low outside in his,

1287
01:42:36,000 --> 01:42:41,000
hit off of the heel of the catcher's net and then struck the shin guard at Thunberg

1288
01:42:41,000 --> 01:42:44,000
and drifted off some 20 feet quickly to the right side,

1289
01:42:44,000 --> 01:42:49,000
but Jim Lerkley grabbed it and no advance for the base runners.

1290
01:42:49,000 --> 01:42:51,000
Cruz is on deck and Ellis comes to the plate.

1291
01:42:51,000 --> 01:42:54,000
High fly ball, way out there in right field.

1292
01:42:54,000 --> 01:43:00,000
Washington has this one under control and grabs it, no advance by the runners.

1293
01:43:00,000 --> 01:43:04,000
So Cerdeno and out on a high lift to right field.

1294
01:43:04,000 --> 01:43:06,000
Two men out.

1295
01:43:06,000 --> 01:43:08,000
Here's Cruz.

1296
01:43:08,000 --> 01:43:12,000
Jose Cruz walked in the first, singled in the third, again singled in the fifth inning.

1297
01:43:12,000 --> 01:43:14,000
Two for two and a score to run.

1298
01:43:14,000 --> 01:43:18,000
Ellis now working with two on and two out.

1299
01:43:18,000 --> 01:43:21,000
A run is in.

1300
01:43:21,000 --> 01:43:24,000
A hit batter.

1301
01:43:24,000 --> 01:43:29,000
An infield cap for a base hit has produced the tie run.

1302
01:43:29,000 --> 01:43:32,000
Here on the top of the sixth inning.

1303
01:43:32,000 --> 01:43:38,000
Cruz the left hander batter, two for two and he was hitting 371 coming in this afternoon.

1304
01:43:38,000 --> 01:43:40,000
Ellis checks the runners, delivers.

1305
01:43:40,000 --> 01:43:46,000
Fastball adjusts, misses on the inside, ball one.

1306
01:43:46,000 --> 01:43:50,000
John, you're going to line up your predictions as to who's going to win

1307
01:43:50,000 --> 01:43:55,000
and be ready to give us all that information the first day of the season.

1308
01:43:55,000 --> 01:43:58,000
Well, I was thinking maybe waiting a few months.

1309
01:43:58,000 --> 01:44:03,000
What like the first of October?

1310
01:44:03,000 --> 01:44:06,000
I've had such a good streak here the last month with predictions.

1311
01:44:06,000 --> 01:44:10,000
Yeah, you really came through well on that basketball.

1312
01:44:10,000 --> 01:44:14,000
There's a little change up. It looked like Doc threw a knuckler up there.

1313
01:44:14,000 --> 01:44:16,000
Missing inside the ball too.

1314
01:44:16,000 --> 01:44:18,000
Bergman is the on deck batter.

1315
01:44:18,000 --> 01:44:22,000
Should Cruz be able to keep it alive for the Astros?

1316
01:44:22,000 --> 01:44:24,000
Rangers five runs on five hits.

1317
01:44:24,000 --> 01:44:26,000
Astros five runs on seven base hits.

1318
01:44:26,000 --> 01:44:28,000
Five errors in the ball game. The Astros have three.

1319
01:44:28,000 --> 01:44:30,000
Here's the next delivery.

1320
01:44:30,000 --> 01:44:36,000
Low inside and Ellis falls behind three and oh so he's only a pitch away from loading the bases.

1321
01:44:36,000 --> 01:44:43,000
Tell you what, Birdsong and I enjoyed your agnostication of the basketball too much.

1322
01:44:43,000 --> 01:44:48,000
We just went the other way and every time you were right, you make a fortune.

1323
01:44:48,000 --> 01:44:50,000
Check swing inside, the bases loaded.

1324
01:44:50,000 --> 01:44:54,000
Ball four, Edgerton Poole over the third base.

1325
01:44:54,000 --> 01:44:59,000
Down to second goes Cabell and Cruz for the fourth time is on this afternoon.

1326
01:44:59,000 --> 01:45:02,000
Two walks and a couple of base hits.

1327
01:45:02,000 --> 01:45:04,000
That's walk number six given up to Ellis.

1328
01:45:04,000 --> 01:45:10,000
And Dave Bergman who has walked, struck out and singled, driven in a run and scored a run.

1329
01:45:10,000 --> 01:45:12,000
Will be the batter with the bases loaded.

1330
01:45:12,000 --> 01:45:15,000
So he's up there right now to do some real damage with two outs.

1331
01:45:15,000 --> 01:45:21,000
Ellis works from the stretch, delivers a pitch that's through for a strike at the knees.

1332
01:45:21,000 --> 01:45:27,000
Ellis sends that right now and looks like it might be clearing off a little bit back toward the west.

1333
01:45:27,000 --> 01:45:31,000
I don't think they're going to have any problems maybe getting the ball game in.

1334
01:45:31,000 --> 01:45:33,000
It's tied right now.

1335
01:45:33,000 --> 01:45:35,000
Bases loaded, Ellis in a lot of trouble.

1336
01:45:35,000 --> 01:45:38,000
Steve Comer is warming as the pitch strikes.

1337
01:45:38,000 --> 01:45:44,000
Oh, that's strike two so Doc comes in with two quick strikes at the knees.

1338
01:45:44,000 --> 01:45:51,000
Will be out there. Will be out there.

1339
01:45:51,000 --> 01:45:55,000
Ellis strike away from getting out of a lot of trouble.

1340
01:45:55,000 --> 01:45:57,000
From the belt here's the pitch.

1341
01:45:57,000 --> 01:45:58,000
Fastball reached far, tapped to left field.

1342
01:45:58,000 --> 01:46:00,000
Oliver in a hurry can't get it.

1343
01:46:00,000 --> 01:46:02,000
One run is in. Oliver will make the play to third.

1344
01:46:02,000 --> 01:46:06,000
Another run is coming on in to score and the Astros lead it seven to five.

1345
01:46:06,000 --> 01:46:09,000
But Bergman reached out and went with the pitch.

1346
01:46:09,000 --> 01:46:14,000
Simply tapped it on a line in the left field and drives in a couple of runs.

1347
01:46:14,000 --> 01:46:16,000
Who from third comes on to score.

1348
01:46:16,000 --> 01:46:20,000
Cabell from second base and down to second holding there is Cruz.

1349
01:46:20,000 --> 01:46:26,000
And Dave Bergman, a single, has driven in two runs his third of the afternoon.

1350
01:46:26,000 --> 01:46:28,000
And Houston vaults in front seven to five.

1351
01:46:28,000 --> 01:46:29,000
John?

1352
01:46:29,000 --> 01:46:31,000
Best Dave Bergman's had all spring.

1353
01:46:31,000 --> 01:46:36,000
He came in today after 16 games with only four runs batted in and only six base hits.

1354
01:46:36,000 --> 01:46:38,000
Two hits today and three runs batted in now.

1355
01:46:38,000 --> 01:46:40,000
He's got a total of seven overall now.

1356
01:46:40,000 --> 01:46:43,000
And he's had hits that have produced runs the last couple of times.

1357
01:46:43,000 --> 01:46:46,000
So the Astros keep it going.

1358
01:46:46,000 --> 01:46:48,000
And here's Dennis Welling, the left fielder.

1359
01:46:48,000 --> 01:46:49,000
Left hander batter.

1360
01:46:49,000 --> 01:46:51,000
He has doubled in three trips.

1361
01:46:51,000 --> 01:46:53,000
Hit one in the alley in left center.

1362
01:46:53,000 --> 01:46:54,000
Last trip up.

1363
01:46:54,000 --> 01:46:57,000
Well that's works him outside and low ball one.

1364
01:46:57,000 --> 01:46:59,000
Down at second.

1365
01:46:59,000 --> 01:47:03,000
Jose Cruz Bergman on at first base who had the big blow here at the inning.

1366
01:47:03,000 --> 01:47:06,000
And that moved Houston in front by a seven to five count.

1367
01:47:06,000 --> 01:47:08,000
Eight hits now given up by Ellis.

1368
01:47:08,000 --> 01:47:10,000
There's the ball wrapped on the ground.

1369
01:47:10,000 --> 01:47:11,000
Hargrove's way at first.

1370
01:47:11,000 --> 01:47:12,000
He'll grab it.

1371
01:47:12,000 --> 01:47:13,000
Feeds it over to Ellis.

1372
01:47:13,000 --> 01:47:14,000
End time to the out.

1373
01:47:14,000 --> 01:47:15,000
Three to one for the put out.

1374
01:47:15,000 --> 01:47:17,000
But the Astros have done the damage.

1375
01:47:17,000 --> 01:47:19,000
Three runs.

1376
01:47:19,000 --> 01:47:21,000
Not only a couple of base hits.

1377
01:47:21,000 --> 01:47:23,000
They strand a couple.

1378
01:47:23,000 --> 01:47:26,000
And we move to the bottom of the sixth inning with a score now.

1379
01:47:26,000 --> 01:47:29,000
Houston seven and Texas five.

1380
01:47:29,000 --> 01:47:31,000
Picture Hawaii.

1381
01:47:31,000 --> 01:47:32,000
Picture yourself in Hawaii.

1382
01:47:32,000 --> 01:47:35,000
Picture yourself on a trade wind tour to Hawaii.

1383
01:47:35,000 --> 01:47:36,000
Now that's a vacation.

1384
01:47:36,000 --> 01:47:41,000
Trade Wind Tours has been offering vacations to the islands longer than any other Hawaii tour company.

1385
01:47:41,000 --> 01:47:44,000
And now Trade Wind Tours offers you the world.

1386
01:47:44,000 --> 01:47:45,000
What's your pleasure?

1387
01:47:45,000 --> 01:47:50,000
Mexico, the Orient, the South Pacific, and in 1978 how about Europe?

1388
01:47:50,000 --> 01:47:54,000
Tell your travel agent you want to explore the world of Trade Wind Tours.

1389
01:47:54,000 --> 01:47:57,000
Because Trade Wind Tours is Hawaii and the world.

1390
01:47:57,000 --> 01:48:00,000
It's amazing what a fresh coat of ceiling paint will do to brighten a room.

1391
01:48:00,000 --> 01:48:03,000
And that's a good place to start your spring cleaning and painting.

1392
01:48:03,000 --> 01:48:09,000
At your Cook Paint Decorating Center you'll find the kind of ceiling paint you need for the texture or finish you want.

1393
01:48:09,000 --> 01:48:13,000
Then for the walls and trim, a fantastic color selection and your choice of paint.

1394
01:48:13,000 --> 01:48:17,000
There are all sorts of color samples and how to do it booklets to help you.

1395
01:48:17,000 --> 01:48:22,000
And your cook man is always ready to advise you on how to do the job easiest and best.

1396
01:48:22,000 --> 01:48:23,000
Cook Paint.

1397
01:48:23,000 --> 01:48:27,000
A good place to start your bright ideas for spring decorating.

1398
01:48:27,000 --> 01:48:33,000
Would you like to win two free tickets to a ranger game of your choice?

1399
01:48:33,000 --> 01:48:38,000
If so, send a postcard to Ranger First Run Contest, First National Bank of Fort Worth.

1400
01:48:38,000 --> 01:48:41,000
Post Office Box 2260, Fort Worth.

1401
01:48:41,000 --> 01:48:44,000
And the zip code is 76101.

1402
01:48:44,000 --> 01:48:48,000
That's the Ranger First Run Contest, First National Bank of Fort Worth.

1403
01:48:48,000 --> 01:48:53,000
Post Office Box 2260, Fort Worth, Texas, 76101.

1404
01:48:53,000 --> 01:48:58,000
Jim Sundberg will start it off with the Rangers here in the bottom of the sixth inning.

1405
01:48:58,000 --> 01:49:01,000
The Rangers now find themselves trailing for the first time.

1406
01:49:01,000 --> 01:49:06,000
Sundberg has failed ahead in one official trip to the plate.

1407
01:49:06,000 --> 01:49:08,000
He's been aboard on an interference call.

1408
01:49:08,000 --> 01:49:10,000
He'll be followed by Hargrove and Herra.

1409
01:49:10,000 --> 01:49:16,000
And Joe Necro is slated to work here in inning number six.

1410
01:49:16,000 --> 01:49:20,000
We're getting a little activity down in Houston side in the bullpen.

1411
01:49:20,000 --> 01:49:26,000
Steve Comer working the bullpen, swung on the first pitch, high fly ball to shallow right.

1412
01:49:26,000 --> 01:49:30,000
And coming on his cruise, he's under it, and the right fielder grabs it for the first out.

1413
01:49:30,000 --> 01:49:35,000
Sundberg acted as though he would like to have recalled that swing, kind of a check swing,

1414
01:49:35,000 --> 01:49:38,000
and hit a high pop through shallow right field, far out.

1415
01:49:38,000 --> 01:49:44,000
Ellis going six innings this afternoon, eight hits, seven runs, six of which were earned.

1416
01:49:44,000 --> 01:49:51,000
Struck out one and walked six and also hit a batter and uncorked a wild pitch.

1417
01:49:51,000 --> 01:49:55,000
Here's Hargrove, Mike snagging out a three.

1418
01:49:55,000 --> 01:50:02,000
Struck out in the first, grounded out in the third, and hit a fly ball to left field in the fourth inning.

1419
01:50:02,000 --> 01:50:10,000
Left hander batter hitting 255, springtime.

1420
01:50:10,000 --> 01:50:15,000
Necro ready and delivers that knuckler through for a call strike.

1421
01:50:15,000 --> 01:50:22,000
Jumps out of the net, catcher Howard, and Wilbur chases it down off to the right side.

1422
01:50:22,000 --> 01:50:32,000
Steve Comer will be coming into the ranges and Tulsa fans here know him well.

1423
01:50:32,000 --> 01:50:37,000
Here's Necro ready with the next delivery, little high.

1424
01:50:37,000 --> 01:50:40,000
And kind of a ball to strike on Mike Hargrove.

1425
01:50:40,000 --> 01:50:44,000
One out as Sundberg opened with a fly to right field.

1426
01:50:44,000 --> 01:50:49,000
Bottom of the six, seven, five, Houston.

1427
01:50:49,000 --> 01:50:53,000
Ball wrapped on the ground, Hart Howe from second, darts over to his left, makes the grab,

1428
01:50:53,000 --> 01:50:57,000
feeds it on over to Berkman, and two minutes then retired.

1429
01:50:57,000 --> 01:51:03,000
Hargrove hitters one hopper to the second baseman Howe, and he tosses out Mike for the second out,

1430
01:51:03,000 --> 01:51:05,000
and that'll bring to the plate Toby Harrah.

1431
01:51:05,000 --> 01:51:11,000
Harrah has grabbed it out, walks, scored a run, single, driven in a run.

1432
01:51:11,000 --> 01:51:14,000
So he's one or two this afternoon.

1433
01:51:14,000 --> 01:51:19,000
Oh, he has not hit well this spring, hitting at 143 coming in.

1434
01:51:19,000 --> 01:51:21,000
However, he has six runs batted in.

1435
01:51:21,000 --> 01:51:23,000
First pitch is low for ball one.

1436
01:51:23,000 --> 01:51:26,000
Al Oliver is on deck.

1437
01:51:26,000 --> 01:51:31,000
Only one change so far in the ranger lineup, and that is Alomar in at second.

1438
01:51:31,000 --> 01:51:35,000
The heart swing is here, I tried to pick up his first homer of the spring,

1439
01:51:35,000 --> 01:51:38,000
and he missed it, count of one ball, one strike.

1440
01:51:38,000 --> 01:51:41,000
On deck is Oliver.

1441
01:51:41,000 --> 01:51:43,000
Right hander ready, and in comes the pitch.

1442
01:51:43,000 --> 01:51:45,000
Breaking ball, it gets right over.

1443
01:51:45,000 --> 01:51:47,000
One ball, two strikes.

1444
01:51:47,000 --> 01:51:54,000
So Necro changed him up a little bit, and hit him a breaking pitch over the outside edge.

1445
01:51:54,000 --> 01:51:55,000
Necro ready.

1446
01:51:55,000 --> 01:51:59,000
Fastball ripped to right center, a long run for the center fielder.

1447
01:51:59,000 --> 01:52:02,000
He's there in the corner, reaches up, pulls it down for the out.

1448
01:52:02,000 --> 01:52:05,000
So fly to center, retires the side at the end of six.

1449
01:52:05,000 --> 01:52:09,000
Still, Houston seven and Texas five.

1450
01:52:09,000 --> 01:52:10,000
Motorists, don't stall around.

1451
01:52:10,000 --> 01:52:14,000
Come to Johnny's Discount Auto Supply, Garland, Richardson, Wiley, and Roulette,

1452
01:52:14,000 --> 01:52:17,000
and get everything you need to tune your car.

1453
01:52:17,000 --> 01:52:20,000
Start with Champion spark plugs, because a tune-up with new champions

1454
01:52:20,000 --> 01:52:24,000
can help you save one to two gallons of gas per tankful.

1455
01:52:24,000 --> 01:52:25,000
A healthy savings these days.

1456
01:52:25,000 --> 01:52:30,000
You'll find everything you need for a tune-up plus expert advice at Johnny's Discount Auto Supply,

1457
01:52:30,000 --> 01:52:32,000
Garland, Richardson, Wiley, and Roulette.

1458
01:52:32,000 --> 01:52:38,000
Parts, test equipment, and of course champions to help you save one to two gallons of gas per tankful.

1459
01:52:38,000 --> 01:52:49,000
...

1460
01:52:49,000 --> 01:52:54,000
... says save now on Demco Posture Mattress and Box Springs sets at Trailer Furniture, Terrell, Texas.

1461
01:52:54,000 --> 01:53:02,000
... being introduced as one of the changes, and to tell us about the rest of the game.

1462
01:53:02,000 --> 01:53:03,000
Again, here's John Miller.

1463
01:53:03,000 --> 01:53:04,000
John, thank you, Bill.

1464
01:53:04,000 --> 01:53:08,000
As Bill mentioned, a few changes here, about 14.

1465
01:53:08,000 --> 01:53:12,000
We've got a new pitcher, a new catcher, a new first baseman, a new shortstop,

1466
01:53:12,000 --> 01:53:17,000
a new third baseman, a new left fielder, and a new right fielder.

1467
01:53:17,000 --> 01:53:19,000
Now, in 10 seconds, tell me who they are.

1468
01:53:19,000 --> 01:53:22,000
...

1469
01:53:22,000 --> 01:53:23,000
All right, we'll work on them.

1470
01:53:23,000 --> 01:53:25,000
Here's Art Howell, leads it off for the Astros.

1471
01:53:25,000 --> 01:53:28,000
He swings, and it's a high pop-up foul ground, third base side.

1472
01:53:28,000 --> 01:53:30,000
That one is well out of play.

1473
01:53:30,000 --> 01:53:33,000
Steve Colbert on the mound, John Ellis, the new catcher,

1474
01:53:33,000 --> 01:53:37,000
Mike Jorgensen, the new first baseman, Sandy Alomar, still over at second.

1475
01:53:37,000 --> 01:53:41,000
Jim Mason, now at shortstop, Kurt Bavacka, now at third.

1476
01:53:41,000 --> 01:53:43,000
In left field is Dave May.

1477
01:53:43,000 --> 01:53:47,000
Juan Beníquez stays in center, and the new right fielder is Bobby Thompson,

1478
01:53:47,000 --> 01:53:52,000
and we have a time-out called here as Bobby Thompson comes running in from right field,

1479
01:53:52,000 --> 01:53:56,000
and he's going to get the sunglasses now, as it was overcast when he went out there,

1480
01:53:56,000 --> 01:54:01,000
and the sun all of a sudden burst forth again, and now they say,

1481
01:54:01,000 --> 01:54:05,000
well, we don't have any sunglasses. What do we need sunglasses for? It's overcast.

1482
01:54:05,000 --> 01:54:11,000
He says, yeah, but the sun just came out. It's too bad.

1483
01:54:11,000 --> 01:54:15,000
All right, one strike to count to Art Howell. He's 0-3 in the ball game.

1484
01:54:15,000 --> 01:54:19,000
The right-hander Comer delivers, swung out and fouled back out of play.

1485
01:54:19,000 --> 01:54:21,000
To the right side, count, no balls, two strikes.

1486
01:54:21,000 --> 01:54:25,000
Howell to be followed by Wilbur Howard, and then the shortstop, Jimmy Sexton.

1487
01:54:25,000 --> 01:54:28,000
Those are the first three to do up here in the seventh inning.

1488
01:54:28,000 --> 01:54:32,000
Seven to five, the Astros lead.

1489
01:54:32,000 --> 01:54:34,000
Comer rocks two-strike pitch.

1490
01:54:34,000 --> 01:54:37,000
Slider misses wide, a ball and two strikes.

1491
01:54:37,000 --> 01:54:42,000
Comer, born in Minneapolis, is 24 years of age, 6'3, 195.

1492
01:54:42,000 --> 01:54:46,000
You have to be about 6'3 to make this pitching staff this season.

1493
01:54:46,000 --> 01:54:51,000
There's a curve ball that doesn't take, misses high on inside, two and two.

1494
01:54:51,000 --> 01:54:59,000
Umbarger is the tallest at 6'6. Got a few guys, 6'5, 6'4, 6'3, two-two pitch.

1495
01:54:59,000 --> 01:55:03,000
Swung out and missed. He blew a fastball by him.

1496
01:55:03,000 --> 01:55:08,000
So Comer strikes out the first man he faces, and that will bring up catcher Wilbur Howard.

1497
01:55:08,000 --> 01:55:14,000
And now Jim Schaefer, one of the Rangers coaches, the bullpen coach, comes running out.

1498
01:55:14,000 --> 01:55:19,000
He found a pair of sunglasses, and he brings them out to Bobby Thompson at right field.

1499
01:55:19,000 --> 01:55:24,000
And now second baseman Sandy Atomar says, you know, that was a good idea.

1500
01:55:24,000 --> 01:55:31,000
He gets a pair, and I think Mike Jorgensen would like a pair.

1501
01:55:31,000 --> 01:55:38,000
So we have another break in the action while they bring the sunglasses out here.

1502
01:55:38,000 --> 01:55:41,000
Jim, where are our sunglasses?

1503
01:55:41,000 --> 01:55:44,000
We don't need sunglasses, it's overcast.

1504
01:55:44,000 --> 01:55:48,000
Wilbur Howard, 0-1, he came on when Ed Herman was injured.

1505
01:55:48,000 --> 01:55:56,000
Back in the fourth inning, it was a pitch out that was not out far enough,

1506
01:55:56,000 --> 01:56:01,000
and Jim Sundberg, protecting the runner who was running, swung at the ball,

1507
01:56:01,000 --> 01:56:07,000
and Ed Herman was too close to home plate, and he took the swing in his left hand.

1508
01:56:07,000 --> 01:56:14,000
Here's Wilbur Howard swinging left-handed. He lifts high a foul fly to the left side, back out of play, 0-1.

1509
01:56:14,000 --> 01:56:21,000
Ellison and Catcher, as we mentioned, Ellison really hit a bomb out of here in batting practice.

1510
01:56:21,000 --> 01:56:24,000
One strike pitch, swung on a high drive to deep right center field.

1511
01:56:24,000 --> 01:56:29,000
Thompson going over, but now the center fielder Benique is looking up into the sunshine, makes the catch.

1512
01:56:29,000 --> 01:56:34,000
He was shading the eyes with the glove and grabbed it in right center field.

1513
01:56:34,000 --> 01:56:40,000
Two gone. Ellison won a ton out of here, halfway to Oklahoma City,

1514
01:56:40,000 --> 01:56:44,000
and Billy Hunter, in jest, was out of left field, and he said,

1515
01:56:44,000 --> 01:56:47,000
Who hit that ball? Who hit that ball?

1516
01:56:47,000 --> 01:56:50,000
Number 24, shortstop Jenny Sexton.

1517
01:56:50,000 --> 01:56:53,000
Here's the pitch to Sexton, low for a ball.

1518
01:56:53,000 --> 01:57:01,000
So Ellis jumped out of the batting cage and said, It's me, coach. Your favorite.

1519
01:57:01,000 --> 01:57:07,000
There's a fastball that misses a bit high, two balls, no strikes.

1520
01:57:07,000 --> 01:57:10,000
Looks good to me.

1521
01:57:10,000 --> 01:57:14,000
Well, Ellis hit a few balls like he hit in batting practice. He will be a favorite.

1522
01:57:14,000 --> 01:57:21,000
There's a swing and a pop-up. Third base side, Bavaqua drifting into foul ground, waits for it, and makes the catch.

1523
01:57:21,000 --> 01:57:25,000
So an impressive seventh inning by Steve Comer, three up, three down.

1524
01:57:25,000 --> 01:57:29,000
We go to the bottom of the seventh. It's Houston 7 and Texas 5.

1525
01:57:29,000 --> 01:57:32,000
It's a fresh new batch of apple pie from Chevrolet to you.

1526
01:57:32,000 --> 01:57:35,000
A fresh new batch of apple pie from Chevy Malibu.

1527
01:57:35,000 --> 01:57:39,000
We got a wagon for you, America. The name is Malibu, and it's chock full of new.

1528
01:57:39,000 --> 01:57:43,000
Crisp new looks, trim new size, and a handy new two-way hatch gate you're just going to love.

1529
01:57:43,000 --> 01:57:46,000
A fresh new batch of apple pie from Chevy Malibu.

1530
01:57:46,000 --> 01:57:51,000
It's a wagon for America the way we are today. Slim on the outside, but roomy on the inside,

1531
01:57:51,000 --> 01:57:54,000
with lots and lots of load space, plus some hidden storage too.

1532
01:57:54,000 --> 01:57:57,000
A fresh new batch of apple pie from Chevy Malibu.

1533
01:57:57,000 --> 01:58:01,000
And you know what else, America? You're going to find it's a real kick to drive,

1534
01:58:01,000 --> 01:58:04,000
and no trick at all to slip into those stench little parking places.

1535
01:58:04,000 --> 01:58:07,000
A fresh new wagon for America that's going to have to pass right by.

1536
01:58:07,000 --> 01:58:09,000
Sound good? You better believe it.

1537
01:58:09,000 --> 01:58:12,000
A fresh new batch of apple pie from Chevy Malibu.

1538
01:58:12,000 --> 01:58:16,000
Stop by your local Chevrolet wagon stop and see what Chevy's serving up.

1539
01:58:16,000 --> 01:58:19,000
A fresh new batch of apple pie from Chevy Malibu.

1540
01:58:19,000 --> 01:58:22,000
A new friend of the family called Chevy Malibu.

1541
01:58:22,000 --> 01:58:25,000
A fresh new batch of apple pie from Chevrolet.

1542
01:58:25,000 --> 01:58:30,000
Well, next Sunday, one week from today, April 9th is Poster Day at Arlington Stadium.

1543
01:58:30,000 --> 01:58:34,000
All fans entering the park with a painted mission receive a giant poster

1544
01:58:34,000 --> 01:58:38,000
with an artist's drawing of five of your favorite Ranger players.

1545
01:58:38,000 --> 01:58:42,000
These posters also feature the entire 1978 Ranger schedule.

1546
01:58:42,000 --> 01:58:46,000
These posters are a courtesy of the friendly folks at Red Carpet Realty.

1547
01:58:46,000 --> 01:58:51,000
So make your plans now to be on hand next Sunday, April 9th, on Red Carpet Poster Day.

1548
01:58:51,000 --> 01:58:58,000
We'll also have the New York Yankees that day, which is an extra added attraction besides that.

1549
01:58:58,000 --> 01:59:03,000
The Yankees in next Saturday afternoon, Sunday afternoon, and Monday night.

1550
01:59:03,000 --> 01:59:08,000
Remember the night ball games at Arlington Stadium, 7.35 starting time.

1551
01:59:08,000 --> 01:59:13,000
Now the Saturday ball game will have a late start because it is on NBC

1552
01:59:13,000 --> 01:59:16,000
and is part of a double header on the network.

1553
01:59:16,000 --> 01:59:22,000
It'll start at 3.05. The next Sunday's game, the Poster Day game, will be at 2.05.

1554
01:59:22,000 --> 01:59:26,000
And then the last three games of the home stand, one with the Yankees on Monday

1555
01:59:26,000 --> 01:59:31,000
and then two with the Detroit Tigers Tuesday and Wednesday, will all be at 7.35 starts.

1556
01:59:31,000 --> 01:59:36,000
We're in the bottom of the seventh inning now, and Dave May leads it off for the Texas Rangers

1557
01:59:36,000 --> 01:59:39,000
on the left field in the top of this inning in place of Al Oliver.

1558
01:59:39,000 --> 01:59:43,000
May, stocky left-handed swinger to face the new pitcher,

1559
01:59:43,000 --> 01:59:49,000
Tom Dixon, curveball number, second base side, takes the high hop to Art Howe,

1560
01:59:49,000 --> 01:59:52,000
and he throws him out, one gone.

1561
01:59:52,000 --> 01:59:55,000
That'll bring up designated hitter John Loewenstein.

1562
01:59:55,000 --> 02:00:04,000
Thomas Earl Dixon, 6 foot, 183, purchased by the Astros from the St. Louis Cardinals in 1975.

1563
02:00:04,000 --> 02:00:10,000
Last year was 13-4 at Charleston, 2.25 earned run average.

1564
02:00:10,000 --> 02:00:16,000
And then in nine games of the Astros, four starts, he won one, lost none with a 3.3 earned run average.

1565
02:00:16,000 --> 02:00:22,000
Throws a fastball to Loewenstein, wide ball one, Bobby Thompson is on deck.

1566
02:00:22,000 --> 02:00:29,000
Dixon from Orlando, Florida, 1-0 pitch, curve over the outside for a strike, 1-1.

1567
02:00:29,000 --> 02:00:33,000
Loewenstein, homered in the second, bounced out in the third and walked in the fifth.

1568
02:00:33,000 --> 02:00:35,000
He's won for two.

1569
02:00:35,000 --> 02:00:43,000
Seven runs, nine hits, three errors for Houston, five runs, five hits and two errors for Texas.

1570
02:00:43,000 --> 02:00:47,000
Dixon's 1-1 offering, swung on a miss, hits one and two.

1571
02:00:47,000 --> 02:00:54,000
Got him with a breaking ball.

1572
02:00:54,000 --> 02:01:02,000
Texas at one point led this game 5-1, but the Astros got three runs each in the fifth and sixth inning.

1573
02:01:02,000 --> 02:01:08,000
One-two pitch, fastball caught the outside corner, strike three call.

1574
02:01:08,000 --> 02:01:15,000
Loewenstein turns around and glares at plate umpire Joe West.

1575
02:01:15,000 --> 02:01:19,000
About to walk back to the dugout, one for three.

1576
02:01:19,000 --> 02:01:25,000
That brings up Bobby Thompson, voted the rookie of the spring training camp.

1577
02:01:25,000 --> 02:01:28,000
Down in Florida, well he might have then.

1578
02:01:28,000 --> 02:01:33,000
Now hitting 3-26, one homerun, nine runs batted in, seven stolen bases.

1579
02:01:33,000 --> 02:01:40,000
Number 48, the new right fielder, Bobby Thompson.

1580
02:01:40,000 --> 02:01:44,000
Thompson, swing left handed, very fast runner, takes the slider inside, ball one.

1581
02:01:44,000 --> 02:01:49,000
Third baseman Cabell plays him right on the edge of the infield grass.

1582
02:01:49,000 --> 02:01:53,000
Outfield pretty much straight away, shading him a bit toward right field.

1583
02:01:53,000 --> 02:01:58,000
First baseman Bergman is hugging the line and playing deep.

1584
02:01:58,000 --> 02:02:02,000
One-oh pitch, he's in the dirt, two balls, no strikes.

1585
02:02:02,000 --> 02:02:08,000
The Astros, who are given a shot for the Cinderella role in the National League West.

1586
02:02:08,000 --> 02:02:17,000
They'll have plenty of opportunity to prove if they're going to be a contender or not if they play the Dodgers and Reds for about the first month of the season.

1587
02:02:17,000 --> 02:02:19,000
There's a strike to Thompson.

1588
02:02:19,000 --> 02:02:23,000
They open up next Thursday at Cincinnati, play four there.

1589
02:02:23,000 --> 02:02:29,000
Then they come back to the Dome to meet the Dodgers three times and then Cincinnati three times.

1590
02:02:29,000 --> 02:02:33,000
So their first ten games are against the Dodgers in Cincinnati.

1591
02:02:33,000 --> 02:02:36,000
Strike two called to Thompson, two and two.

1592
02:02:36,000 --> 02:02:40,000
Then they head out to the West Coast, they play San Diego twice and then they play the Dodgers four more times.

1593
02:02:40,000 --> 02:02:47,000
So 14 of their first 16 games are against the Reds and the Dodgers.

1594
02:02:47,000 --> 02:02:57,000
Two balls, two strikes to Thompson, two outs, nobody on the curve, misses outside, three and two.

1595
02:02:57,000 --> 02:03:05,000
Thursday afternoon, in fact, at Riverfront Stadium, J.R. Richard, Tom Siever will duel.

1596
02:03:05,000 --> 02:03:13,000
Three-two pitch is swung on and pops down the left field line, coming in in a hurry, is walling, he's there and in shallow left he puts it away.

1597
02:03:13,000 --> 02:03:21,000
So for the second consecutive inning, it's three up, three down, we go to the eighth, Houston 7, Texas 5.

1598
02:03:21,000 --> 02:03:25,000
Enjoy the big taste of Guy's potato chips.

1599
02:03:25,000 --> 02:03:29,000
They team up with snacks, sandwiches or drinks and they're good just any old time.

1600
02:03:29,000 --> 02:03:34,000
Guy's are the real fresh chips, not dried, mashed, rolled or processed.

1601
02:03:34,000 --> 02:03:39,000
So when it comes to real chips, go with the big guy, Guy's real potato chips.

1602
02:03:39,000 --> 02:03:44,000
Enjoy all the spice of American life, good Guy's potato chips.

1603
02:03:44,000 --> 02:03:48,000
Don't forget the Guy's real potato chips.

1604
02:03:48,000 --> 02:03:55,000
When you're looking for a way to lighten your day, to brighten your day, think of fries.

1605
02:03:55,000 --> 02:04:01,000
Flying away to the taste of yesterday, the old fashioned flavor of fries.

1606
02:04:01,000 --> 02:04:08,000
When the work is done, a day in the sun is a lot more fun if you try.

1607
02:04:08,000 --> 02:04:16,000
Loading up and away to the taste of yesterday, the old fashioned flavor of fries.

1608
02:04:16,000 --> 02:04:24,000
Taylor Auto Supply, 5025 East Belknap, Fort Worth, thinks you should know that short trips in your automobile can make your engine oil dirty,

1609
02:04:24,000 --> 02:04:30,000
which is why you should change your oil and oil filter on a mileage or time basis, whichever comes first.

1610
02:04:30,000 --> 02:04:39,000
So think months, not just miles, and come in to see the good guys at Taylor Auto Supply, 5025 East Belknap, Fort Worth,

1611
02:04:39,000 --> 02:04:41,000
about changing your oil and oil filter.

1612
02:04:41,000 --> 02:04:46,000
Get quality engine protection today with an AC oil filter at Taylor Auto Supply.

1613
02:04:46,000 --> 02:04:49,000
Number 21, center fielder Terry Poole.

1614
02:04:49,000 --> 02:04:55,000
Getting number 8, Terry Poole has started off with the Astros and the top of the batting water will face Steve Comer.

1615
02:04:55,000 --> 02:04:57,000
There's a slider swung on and missed, 0-1.

1616
02:04:57,000 --> 02:05:05,000
Steve Comer lives in Excelsior, Minnesota, was 6-4 at Tucson last year after being 7-6.

1617
02:05:05,000 --> 02:05:34,000
The game continues at the beginning of side 4 after a 60-second delay.

1618
02:05:35,000 --> 02:05:51,000
The game continues at the beginning of side 4 after a 60-second delay.

1619
02:05:51,000 --> 02:06:13,000
Here in Tulsa, 13-10 overall, Mrs. Lowell, one ball, one strike.

1620
02:06:13,000 --> 02:06:18,000
This is really only his third year in Major League, well, in professional ball.

1621
02:06:18,000 --> 02:06:21,000
Swung on and fouled at the plate, that comes down and hits Puehl in the foot.

1622
02:06:21,000 --> 02:06:24,000
One ball, two strikes.

1623
02:06:24,000 --> 02:06:32,000
Got it only nine games in 1976 at Sarasota, went 7-2 with a 0.90 earned run average.

1624
02:06:32,000 --> 02:06:39,000
He is 24 years of age and he graduated from the University of Minnesota.

1625
02:06:39,000 --> 02:06:42,000
Non-roster player, he's on the roster now.

1626
02:06:42,000 --> 02:06:45,000
Fastball, low and away, two balls, two strikes.

1627
02:06:45,000 --> 02:06:50,000
Inos Cabal and Cesar Sereno, the next two Astro headers, slated to bat in the eighth.

1628
02:06:50,000 --> 02:06:54,000
2-2 pitch, way outside.

1629
02:06:54,000 --> 02:06:57,000
Tried to turn that one over, but it never did take.

1630
02:06:57,000 --> 02:07:03,000
3-2, Puehl is 0-3 today, but a fairly productive 0-3.

1631
02:07:03,000 --> 02:07:06,000
He scored two runs.

1632
02:07:06,000 --> 02:07:08,000
Pitch, he lost him.

1633
02:07:08,000 --> 02:07:11,000
Ball four, fastball low.

1634
02:07:11,000 --> 02:07:15,000
So Puehl, who hasn't had a hit, is now on the bases for the third time today.

1635
02:07:15,000 --> 02:07:25,000
That is the seventh Houston player to draw a free pass, and an eighth player was hit by a pitch.

1636
02:07:25,000 --> 02:07:33,000
And the Rangers have allowed two more base runners by committing errors,

1637
02:07:33,000 --> 02:07:39,000
although it was hardly the fault of the fielders with the tough fielding conditions on the infield.

1638
02:07:39,000 --> 02:07:46,000
Here's the pitch to Cabal, fastball, that one really took off in the inside corner, strike one.

1639
02:07:46,000 --> 02:07:51,000
Cabal is 1-4 today, got an RBI single back in the sixth.

1640
02:07:51,000 --> 02:07:56,000
That brought home the tying run of the ball game.

1641
02:07:56,000 --> 02:07:59,000
Runner at first is Puehl, he's got speed.

1642
02:07:59,000 --> 02:08:01,000
Jorgensen holds against him.

1643
02:08:01,000 --> 02:08:04,000
Comer comes to the plate, curve inside, one ball, one strike.

1644
02:08:04,000 --> 02:08:08,000
So he threw the fastball inside, then comes back with a curve inside.

1645
02:08:08,000 --> 02:08:14,000
Len Barker throwing down the left field line, we'll probably see the big right-hander, the fireballer in the ninth inning.

1646
02:08:14,000 --> 02:08:18,000
Comer with a lob through the first and Puehl is back.

1647
02:08:18,000 --> 02:08:23,000
Well, the Rangers hoping that a few of their batters who are in pretty good slumps all through the springtime

1648
02:08:23,000 --> 02:08:31,000
will catch fire here, the final leak of the spring going into the regular season.

1649
02:08:31,000 --> 02:08:39,000
Stretching the pitch, swung on and lined to left field, it's in front of Dave May, base hit.

1650
02:08:39,000 --> 02:08:44,000
Cabal got a fastball out over the plate that time and he rode it hard to left field.

1651
02:08:44,000 --> 02:08:48,000
Puehl goes to second, hangs on.

1652
02:08:48,000 --> 02:08:53,000
And that is hit number nine for the Astros.

1653
02:08:53,000 --> 02:08:56,000
And they have now had in this ball game 19 baserunners.

1654
02:08:56,000 --> 02:09:02,000
They've stranded eight and Jim Sundberg wiped out two who tried to steal against him.

1655
02:09:02,000 --> 02:09:04,000
Here's St. John Cedeno.

1656
02:09:04,000 --> 02:09:09,000
Cedeno is one for three in the game, a double, but he's been safe on an error.

1657
02:09:09,000 --> 02:09:12,000
And he's walked, he's scored one and he's driven home one.

1658
02:09:12,000 --> 02:09:14,000
Runners at first and second, nobody out.

1659
02:09:14,000 --> 02:09:21,000
There's a curve ball, gets by John Ellis back to the screen and both runners will move up the base.

1660
02:09:21,000 --> 02:09:24,000
Comer put that curve ball in the dirt.

1661
02:09:24,000 --> 02:09:28,000
And I imagine he'll go with a wild pitch call.

1662
02:09:28,000 --> 02:09:31,000
So now Comer's really worked himself into a jam.

1663
02:09:31,000 --> 02:09:36,000
Runners at second and third, nobody out and the Astros best hit her up.

1664
02:09:36,000 --> 02:09:41,000
Cesar Cedeno, he hit about 340 after the All-Star break last year.

1665
02:09:41,000 --> 02:09:48,000
When you look at the size of the contract they gave him, I think they figured he might hit 340 one day for 162 games.

1666
02:09:48,000 --> 02:09:50,000
There's a curve, a big swing and a miss.

1667
02:09:50,000 --> 02:09:54,000
See, he didn't get it. One ball, one strike.

1668
02:09:54,000 --> 02:09:58,000
Comer threw a wicked looking curve ball that time.

1669
02:09:58,000 --> 02:10:06,000
Changed speeds with it and Cedeno tried to send that one back to the Astrodome.

1670
02:10:06,000 --> 02:10:11,000
One ball and one strike.

1671
02:10:11,000 --> 02:10:15,000
With runners at second and third, the Rangers have brought the infield halfway in.

1672
02:10:15,000 --> 02:10:18,000
Not completely into the edge of the infield grass.

1673
02:10:18,000 --> 02:10:22,000
One pitch, breaking ball, shot foul, third base side and into the Rangers dugout.

1674
02:10:22,000 --> 02:10:24,000
One ball, two strikes.

1675
02:10:24,000 --> 02:10:27,000
Jose Cruz on deck.

1676
02:10:27,000 --> 02:10:31,000
Cedeno's had years where he's hit as high as 320.

1677
02:10:31,000 --> 02:10:35,000
Better than 20 home runs, he's always around 50, 60 stolen bases.

1678
02:10:35,000 --> 02:10:38,000
Fine center fielder.

1679
02:10:38,000 --> 02:10:42,000
When he finally puts it all together in one season, it's going to be quite a year.

1680
02:10:42,000 --> 02:10:47,000
Comer at the belt, one-two pitch, got him fishing at a slider on the outside.

1681
02:10:47,000 --> 02:10:49,000
He struck him out.

1682
02:10:49,000 --> 02:10:53,000
Boy, that pitch was about a foot and a half outside.

1683
02:10:53,000 --> 02:10:58,000
Good, heartbreaking slider that time by Comer and Cedeno went after it.

1684
02:10:58,000 --> 02:11:01,000
So one is out, runners still at second and third.

1685
02:11:01,000 --> 02:11:05,000
And here's Jose Cruz and I think they're going to, they might put Cruz on here.

1686
02:11:05,000 --> 02:11:08,000
Yes, they are. Ball one outside.

1687
02:11:08,000 --> 02:11:13,000
This is a guy you've got to put on, left-handed swinger, who's killed the Rangers for three consecutive days.

1688
02:11:13,000 --> 02:11:18,000
Today he's two for two with two walks. Scored a run.

1689
02:11:18,000 --> 02:11:21,000
Yesterday he was three for five.

1690
02:11:21,000 --> 02:11:25,000
Here's ball two.

1691
02:11:25,000 --> 02:11:31,000
Dave Bergman is the man on deck actually walking a left-handed batter to get to a left-handed batter.

1692
02:11:31,000 --> 02:11:35,000
But Cruz came into the game hitting 371.

1693
02:11:35,000 --> 02:11:40,000
He's probably up over 400 by now and Bergman came into the game hitting 166.

1694
02:11:40,000 --> 02:11:48,000
And yet the man they have walked here to get to Bergman.

1695
02:11:48,000 --> 02:11:54,000
Well, Bergman, the man they apparently want to pitch to, has two base hits and three RBIs today.

1696
02:11:54,000 --> 02:11:58,000
That's right, he drove in the two runs and put Houston over the top.

1697
02:11:58,000 --> 02:12:01,000
Bases loaded. From the stretch, there's a swing of the best.

1698
02:12:01,000 --> 02:12:04,000
A good low fastball on the outside. Comer put it right there.

1699
02:12:04,000 --> 02:12:10,000
A one-one. Bergman two for three, scored one and driven home three runs.

1700
02:12:10,000 --> 02:12:14,000
And his base hit in the sixth inning, bringing home Terry Poole and Enos Cabell.

1701
02:12:14,000 --> 02:12:17,000
And that's the difference right now. Seven to five Houston.

1702
02:12:17,000 --> 02:12:24,000
An Astro at every base. The one-strike pitch wide. One ball, one strike.

1703
02:12:24,000 --> 02:12:29,000
Talking earlier about Cedeno, almost a perennial gold glove winner.

1704
02:12:29,000 --> 02:12:32,000
Last year he made only one error and didn't.

1705
02:12:32,000 --> 02:12:36,000
Here's the one-one pitch. Swung on, shot to right field, base hit.

1706
02:12:36,000 --> 02:12:40,000
One run scores. Here comes Cabell around third. Bobby Thompson will throw to third.

1707
02:12:40,000 --> 02:12:44,000
It's cut off. Cabell scores two runs in for the Astros.

1708
02:12:44,000 --> 02:12:50,000
And Bergman has five RBIs for the day and it's nine to five Houston.

1709
02:12:50,000 --> 02:12:55,000
He still wants to play. Now I started to say about Cedeno last year,

1710
02:12:55,000 --> 02:13:00,000
he only made one error and did not receive the gold glove.

1711
02:13:00,000 --> 02:13:06,000
Well who got it last year? Well, they had a pretty good season.

1712
02:13:06,000 --> 02:13:12,000
Apparently didn't make any errors. Well when was it? Seventy-four.

1713
02:13:12,000 --> 02:13:17,000
Don money, the Brewers I think set a record for fewest errors in a season by a third baseman.

1714
02:13:17,000 --> 02:13:21,000
Certainly did. Brooks Robinson made three or four times as many errors and he still won it.

1715
02:13:21,000 --> 02:13:25,000
Well Spencer, the number of years has been the best fielder, error-wise.

1716
02:13:25,000 --> 02:13:28,000
Here's Walling, swung on, there's a drive to left center field, that's going to fall in.

1717
02:13:28,000 --> 02:13:36,000
Base hit, Cruz comes in to score. Heading to third is Bergman, Benique's throw is cut off and it's ten to five.

1718
02:13:36,000 --> 02:13:40,000
Walling just reaches out and swats one into left center.

1719
02:13:40,000 --> 02:13:44,000
So the Astros now scored three runs in the eighth inning and it's a ten to five ball game.

1720
02:13:44,000 --> 02:13:50,000
Bergman to third, Walling with his second hit and his second RBI of the day.

1721
02:13:50,000 --> 02:13:55,000
So a ten to five Astro lead and there's still only one out here in the eighth inning.

1722
02:13:55,000 --> 02:13:59,000
And that brings up Art Howe. Start to mention about Jim Spencer, we used to get him,

1723
02:13:59,000 --> 02:14:06,000
but he'd make fewer errors and never selected blaster. He made more errors than he ever has and got the gold glove.

1724
02:14:06,000 --> 02:14:11,000
Ball one to Howe, one ball no strikes. Well, besides being a good fielder,

1725
02:14:11,000 --> 02:14:14,000
you have to have that reputation as being a good fielder I think.

1726
02:14:14,000 --> 02:14:19,000
Here's the one-oh pitch, swung on, popped foul off to the right, that'll go back out of play.

1727
02:14:19,000 --> 02:14:21,000
One ball, one strike.

1728
02:14:21,000 --> 02:14:25,000
Of course, John, it's not all based on how many errors they make. Some players don't make that many

1729
02:14:25,000 --> 02:14:32,000
because they don't make that many outstanding plays where they really have to go hard after a ball.

1730
02:14:32,000 --> 02:14:38,000
Here's the lead at first from the stretchers, Comer, one-one pitch, slider low, two balls and a strike.

1731
02:14:38,000 --> 02:14:42,000
Poole let off with a walk, Cabell singled after Sedano struck out,

1732
02:14:42,000 --> 02:14:44,000
in a while Pitchett put runners at second and third.

1733
02:14:44,000 --> 02:14:49,000
Cruz has walked intentionally. Bergman singled for two runs, Walling singled for one run.

1734
02:14:49,000 --> 02:14:54,000
Two-one pitch, breaking ball low, three and one. So now Comer's going to have to come in with one.

1735
02:14:54,000 --> 02:14:57,000
Howe has a look at third base coach Tony Pacheco.

1736
02:14:57,000 --> 02:15:00,000
Big pitch for Comer to make here.

1737
02:15:00,000 --> 02:15:03,000
Bergman at third, Walling at first, one out, ten to five Houston.

1738
02:15:03,000 --> 02:15:06,000
In field, double play deep. Jorgensen holds the runner at first.

1739
02:15:06,000 --> 02:15:10,000
Three-one pitch, swung on, a high fly ball to a fairly deep center field.

1740
02:15:10,000 --> 02:15:16,000
Vanekas waits for it, makes the catch. Bergman tags at third and he'll score easily.

1741
02:15:16,000 --> 02:15:22,000
And it's an eleven to five game, so Howe picks up the RBI.

1742
02:15:22,000 --> 02:15:25,000
Four runs in the inning for the Astros.

1743
02:15:25,000 --> 02:15:29,000
Boy Houston's bats, which have been quiet most of the spring,

1744
02:15:29,000 --> 02:15:34,000
have gotten well the last couple of days. They beat Texas yesterday eight to one.

1745
02:15:34,000 --> 02:15:40,000
Had ten or twelve bases in that one and now they put a big eleven up on the board today.

1746
02:15:40,000 --> 02:15:45,000
Here's Wilbur Howard, he's 0 for 2 since coming on for Ed Herman, left-handed swinger.

1747
02:15:45,000 --> 02:15:50,000
Johnson, Walling at first. Pitch, fast ball low, ball one.

1748
02:15:50,000 --> 02:15:54,000
Paul Lindblad on the disabled list.

1749
02:15:54,000 --> 02:16:00,000
As of, well let's see, he last pitched Wednesday and he hurt himself over at West Palm Beach pitching against the Braves.

1750
02:16:00,000 --> 02:16:06,000
One out pitch, swung on, fouled on the ground. First base side, one ball, one strike.

1751
02:16:06,000 --> 02:16:10,000
And Tom Busky released.

1752
02:16:10,000 --> 02:16:15,000
Tom Stan Busky caught on with the Toronto Blue Jays and is on his way to Dunedin, Florida.

1753
02:16:15,000 --> 02:16:21,000
That's right and Tom did not pitch that badly in the spring so he might be able to help Toronto.

1754
02:16:21,000 --> 02:16:26,000
One-one pitch, fast ball, tails away for the left-handed swinger, two balls and a strike.

1755
02:16:26,000 --> 02:16:30,000
Well, Billy Hunter, who's been a coach low these many years,

1756
02:16:30,000 --> 02:16:36,000
said that yesterday was the first time in his career he'd ever had to tell a player that he was being released.

1757
02:16:36,000 --> 02:16:41,000
There's a swing by Howard and foul tips it. Two balls, two strikes. And he said it was one of the toughest things he's ever had to do.

1758
02:16:41,000 --> 02:16:48,000
You know, Bill mentioned that he would love for some of the front office people to have made it in in time to do that.

1759
02:16:48,000 --> 02:16:52,000
Sure, that's something nobody likes to do.

1760
02:16:52,000 --> 02:16:57,000
Runner at first, two outs, two balls, two strikes to Howard. Four runs in, the eighth inning for the Astros.

1761
02:16:57,000 --> 02:17:01,000
Curve is hit off the fifth. Foul and look out Bill.

1762
02:17:01,000 --> 02:17:05,000
Thought we were going to have a shot at a souvenir there.

1763
02:17:05,000 --> 02:17:10,000
They're putting right under the screen here. They've got more like netting coming back from the backstop.

1764
02:17:10,000 --> 02:17:15,000
And that one looked like it was going to pop right off the top of the netting and right down on us.

1765
02:17:15,000 --> 02:17:21,000
Two and two. Runner leads, Comer at the belt, the pitch. Swung on and bounced foul, first base side.

1766
02:17:21,000 --> 02:17:25,000
Astros have a right-hander working down the right field line.

1767
02:17:25,000 --> 02:17:29,000
Should be Samora, probably.

1768
02:17:29,000 --> 02:17:32,000
Looks like Bo McGloughlin, a big right-hander.

1769
02:17:32,000 --> 02:17:38,000
Barker is still down in the left field bullpen, working for Texas. We'll probably see him in the ninth inning.

1770
02:17:38,000 --> 02:17:42,000
Again, Comer at the belt. Two-two pitch, fastball outside. Three and two.

1771
02:17:42,000 --> 02:17:46,000
And now Walling will take off with this pitch.

1772
02:17:46,000 --> 02:17:50,000
Eleven to five. The Astros who trailed once in this game, five to one.

1773
02:17:50,000 --> 02:17:54,000
With three in the sixth. And after three in the fifth and four here in the eighth.

1774
02:17:54,000 --> 02:17:59,000
There goes the runner. The pitch is swung on, foul tipped and held on to by Ellis.

1775
02:17:59,000 --> 02:18:02,000
Howard has retired on strikes and finally the inning is over.

1776
02:18:02,000 --> 02:18:08,000
But four runs on three hits, one left after seven and a half.

1777
02:18:08,000 --> 02:18:12,000
Houston 11, Texas 5.

1778
02:18:12,000 --> 02:18:16,000
The day is done. Coming home.

1779
02:18:16,000 --> 02:18:23,000
It's time to let it go. It's the moment to unwind. Welcome home.

1780
02:18:23,000 --> 02:18:29,000
The day is done.

1781
02:18:29,000 --> 02:18:34,000
And for the king of meals can settle back and please yourself.

1782
02:18:34,000 --> 02:18:38,000
No matter what you do.

1783
02:18:38,000 --> 02:18:42,000
No matter when or where.

1784
02:18:42,000 --> 02:18:48,000
You know a glass of blood is like an easy chair.

1785
02:18:48,000 --> 02:18:53,000
When you say Budweiser.

1786
02:18:53,000 --> 02:18:58,000
Yeah Budweiser. Absolutely the best way to call it a day.

1787
02:18:58,000 --> 02:19:02,000
Any day. You know what I mean.

1788
02:19:02,000 --> 02:19:06,000
When you say Budweiser.

1789
02:19:06,000 --> 02:19:11,000
And I's a Bush St. Louis.

1790
02:19:11,000 --> 02:19:16,000
Before we go to the bottom half of inning number eight, let's pause ten seconds for station identification.

1791
02:19:16,000 --> 02:19:19,000
This is the Texas Rangers baseball network.

1792
02:19:19,000 --> 02:19:21,000
This is WBAPA 24 with Dallas.

1793
02:19:21,000 --> 02:19:28,000
When it comes to Ranger baseball coverage, the Dallas Times Herald covers all the bases and brings it home every time.

1794
02:19:28,000 --> 02:19:37,000
John Miller along with Bill Merrill from Tulsa, Oklahoma today where the Houston Astros are sticking it to the Texas Rangers for the second day in a row.

1795
02:19:37,000 --> 02:19:41,000
Leading now 11 to 5 as we go to the last of the eighth inning.

1796
02:19:41,000 --> 02:19:47,000
A reminder again, the Arlington Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Victory Ranger luncheon on Monday, April 10th, one week from tomorrow.

1797
02:19:47,000 --> 02:19:51,000
At the end of the six flags, it's the kickoff luncheon for the 1978 baseball season.

1798
02:19:51,000 --> 02:19:57,000
The whole Ranger team will be there and when you purchase a table of ten, you can select your favorite Ranger player as your guest.

1799
02:19:57,000 --> 02:20:03,000
Tickets are on sale now at Arlington Chamber of Commerce. The phone number is 275-2613.

1800
02:20:03,000 --> 02:20:07,000
All tickets must be purchased in advance and are on a first come, first serve basis.

1801
02:20:07,000 --> 02:20:14,000
That's the Rangers on to Victory Luncheon Monday, April 10th, 275-2613, the number to call.

1802
02:20:14,000 --> 02:20:22,000
Juan Beníquez, left in the ball game to get another few cuts at the plate against right-hander Tom Dixon.

1803
02:20:22,000 --> 02:20:25,000
Dixon retired the Rangers in order in the seventh.

1804
02:20:25,000 --> 02:20:29,000
Throws a high curve ball, one ball, no strikes.

1805
02:20:29,000 --> 02:20:35,000
Joe Necro's final inning was a three-up, three-down inning in the sixth and Dixon's only inning was three-up, three-down.

1806
02:20:35,000 --> 02:20:38,000
The Rangers haven't had a base runner since the fifth.

1807
02:20:38,000 --> 02:20:42,000
One-oh pitch, too high with the fastball, two-and-oh.

1808
02:20:42,000 --> 02:20:46,000
Sandy Alomar will follow and then probably Jim Mason.

1809
02:20:46,000 --> 02:20:51,000
We'll take a look at how they put the batting order, probably straight up.

1810
02:20:51,000 --> 02:20:53,000
That's been the way they've been doing it.

1811
02:20:53,000 --> 02:20:57,000
Swing the high fastball and foul back out of play.

1812
02:20:57,000 --> 02:21:00,000
Look out, Bill, that's right behind us here.

1813
02:21:00,000 --> 02:21:02,000
Boy.

1814
02:21:02,000 --> 02:21:07,000
Thought that one was back out in the parking lot somewhere, looked up and there's this thing coming right from my nose.

1815
02:21:07,000 --> 02:21:10,000
Bill, I thought you were going to protect me from those.

1816
02:21:10,000 --> 02:21:15,000
When you jumped under the table there, you were just telling me that's what I should do, right?

1817
02:21:15,000 --> 02:21:16,000
Right.

1818
02:21:16,000 --> 02:21:20,000
Okay.

1819
02:21:20,000 --> 02:21:23,000
Two balls and a strike, Jim Beníquez.

1820
02:21:23,000 --> 02:21:28,000
Why does anybody try to catch a foul ball on the stands?

1821
02:21:28,000 --> 02:21:32,000
Two-and-one, the Catawani steps out now on Dixon.

1822
02:21:32,000 --> 02:21:37,000
Roger Morett is loosening up down the left field line for the Rangers now, getting some work in.

1823
02:21:37,000 --> 02:21:39,000
Two-one delivery.

1824
02:21:39,000 --> 02:21:42,000
Slider got him swinging, two-and-two.

1825
02:21:42,000 --> 02:21:45,000
Good hard slider that broke sharply at the end there.

1826
02:21:45,000 --> 02:21:50,000
Two-and-two, Beníquez has had trouble with the breaking ball.

1827
02:21:50,000 --> 02:21:56,000
J.R. Richard had a slider yesterday that wouldn't quit, gave the Rangers fits, two-two pitch.

1828
02:21:56,000 --> 02:21:59,000
Little ground ball, third base side foul.

1829
02:21:59,000 --> 02:22:04,000
Connie Ryan fields it flawlessly in the third base coach's box.

1830
02:22:04,000 --> 02:22:06,000
Fred Koenig over at first.

1831
02:22:06,000 --> 02:22:13,000
This is hometown country for Fred Koenig.

1832
02:22:13,000 --> 02:22:16,000
Two-and-two to Beníquez, and the pitch.

1833
02:22:16,000 --> 02:22:19,000
Swung on, little number, foul again at the plate.

1834
02:22:19,000 --> 02:22:22,000
Another breaking ball.

1835
02:22:22,000 --> 02:22:25,000
Take a look at the Rangers starters and the batting average is not too good.

1836
02:22:25,000 --> 02:22:27,000
Beníquez, 227.

1837
02:22:27,000 --> 02:22:29,000
Cabaneras, 250.

1838
02:22:29,000 --> 02:22:30,000
Hargrove, 255.

1839
02:22:30,000 --> 02:22:32,000
Harrow, 143.

1840
02:22:32,000 --> 02:22:33,000
Oliver, 284.

1841
02:22:33,000 --> 02:22:35,000
Sunbird, 269.

1842
02:22:35,000 --> 02:22:37,000
Washington, 190.

1843
02:22:37,000 --> 02:22:39,000
Zisk, 148.

1844
02:22:39,000 --> 02:22:41,000
There's a comeback at two hops.

1845
02:22:41,000 --> 02:22:44,000
Dixon fields it off the mound and throws him out at first.

1846
02:22:44,000 --> 02:22:52,000
Beníquez retired for out number one, and now the Rangers have had nine consecutive batters retired in this one.

1847
02:22:52,000 --> 02:22:53,000
That'll bring up Sandy Alomar.

1848
02:22:53,000 --> 02:22:58,000
He fouled out to the catcher, his first at bat and the fifth.

1849
02:22:58,000 --> 02:23:05,000
I saw on the paper today where Johnny Bench and Joe Morgan were having their miseries for the Cincinnati Reds.

1850
02:23:05,000 --> 02:23:08,000
One of them was hitting 086, and the other one was hitting 062.

1851
02:23:08,000 --> 02:23:14,000
I think Morgan was at 062.

1852
02:23:14,000 --> 02:23:19,000
Alomar, switch hitter, swinging left-handed, hits one off the fifth, foul, back at a play, 0-1-1.

1853
02:23:19,000 --> 02:23:30,000
Well, you know that Joe Morgan and Johnny Bench are going to be there when the bell rings, and you know that Richie Zisk and these Ranger batters are going to be there.

1854
02:23:30,000 --> 02:23:37,000
A lot of fellows who hit 400 in the springtime don't hit half that once the bell rings.

1855
02:23:37,000 --> 02:23:39,000
One strike to Alomar, down it comes.

1856
02:23:39,000 --> 02:23:46,000
Fastball high, fly ball to left field, almost in his tracks as Waldo, looking up, and he makes the catch.

1857
02:23:46,000 --> 02:23:50,000
Ten consecutive Ranger batters have been retired now.

1858
02:23:50,000 --> 02:23:56,000
And Jim Mason will bat for the first time in a ball game.

1859
02:23:56,000 --> 02:24:01,000
Mason from Mobile, Alabama, 171 springtime average.

1860
02:24:01,000 --> 02:24:07,000
He's the best Ranger shortstop off the bench.

1861
02:24:07,000 --> 02:24:09,000
Stronger throwing arm.

1862
02:24:09,000 --> 02:24:16,000
Alomar played every infield position at some time last year and even played the outfield on occasion.

1863
02:24:16,000 --> 02:24:19,000
There's a ground ball to first.

1864
02:24:19,000 --> 02:24:23,000
Field it over there by Bergman, he takes it himself, and just like that the Rangers are gone.

1865
02:24:23,000 --> 02:24:30,000
Three up and three down, and we'll go to the night from Tulsa, Oklahoma, with the score Houston 11, Texas 5.

1866
02:24:30,000 --> 02:24:36,000
Gas yourself, gas yourself, all the media has gas yourself.

1867
02:24:36,000 --> 02:24:41,000
Some people think you gotta have muscle to get gas, yourself, just gotta be cool, that's all.

1868
02:24:41,000 --> 02:24:45,000
There's nothing slicker, nothing quicker than gas, yourself, and Vickers.

1869
02:24:45,000 --> 02:24:47,000
And I got regular, unleaded, and P. Remian.

1870
02:24:47,000 --> 02:24:51,000
My cousin Lance Goble can do it, and he thinks cool is no choosing then.

1871
02:24:51,000 --> 02:24:54,000
So you know the only muscle he's got is between his ears.

1872
02:24:54,000 --> 02:24:59,000
The boy and he, the Vickers, find catch them.

1873
02:24:59,000 --> 02:25:03,000
Thank you for joining us for this Texas Rangers baseball game on WBAP.

1874
02:25:03,000 --> 02:25:10,000
We'd like to remind you to stay tuned to WBAP for the best music around, with a lot of people who enjoy what they do.

1875
02:25:10,000 --> 02:25:17,000
It starts every morning, Monday through Saturday, with Don Harris saying good morning, bright eyes, and keeping you informed, entertained, and smiling.

1876
02:25:17,000 --> 02:25:30,000
WBAP 820, no matter where you are or where you're going, it's your luck for you to join us on WBAP, doing it all for WBAP people.

1877
02:25:30,000 --> 02:25:35,000
Hitting number nine, and Len Barker will come on for the Texas Rangers.

1878
02:25:35,000 --> 02:25:40,000
Steve Comer, in relief of Doc Ellis, went two innings today, allowed four runs on three hits.

1879
02:25:40,000 --> 02:25:44,000
Walked two, struck out three, threw one wild pitch.

1880
02:25:44,000 --> 02:25:50,000
In fact, all of the offensive damage by the Astros was done against Comer in the eighth inning.

1881
02:25:50,000 --> 02:25:54,000
11 to 5, Len Barker, he's the man.

1882
02:25:54,000 --> 02:25:59,000
Billy Hunter said, we're going with Len Barker, and it wouldn't surprise me, said Billy.

1883
02:25:59,000 --> 02:26:03,000
He became the fireman of the year in the American League this year.

1884
02:26:03,000 --> 02:26:05,000
Barker certainly has the tools.

1885
02:26:05,000 --> 02:26:15,000
Last year, you'll recall, 15 games, a lot of them, in fact, 12 of them, in relief in the final month and a half of the season.

1886
02:26:15,000 --> 02:26:20,000
He finished up with four wins, one loss, and a 2.66 earned run average.

1887
02:26:20,000 --> 02:26:27,000
But perhaps more significantly, in those 12 games in relief, he went 32 innings, allowed 19 hits,

1888
02:26:27,000 --> 02:26:32,000
and his earned run average was 1.15.

1889
02:26:32,000 --> 02:26:40,000
One night at Arlington Stadium last year, they put the radar gun on Nolan Ryan and clocked him at 97 miles per hour,

1890
02:26:40,000 --> 02:26:43,000
and Barker was clocked at 96 miles per hour.

1891
02:26:43,000 --> 02:26:49,000
He can bring a big guy, six feet, four inches, 235 pounds.

1892
02:26:49,000 --> 02:26:53,000
Throws ball one to Jimmy Sexton, who's leading off the ninth inning for the Astros.

1893
02:26:53,000 --> 02:26:57,000
Sexton is one for three with a walk today, stole a base.

1894
02:26:57,000 --> 02:26:59,000
Fast ball is high, 2-0.

1895
02:26:59,000 --> 02:27:05,000
Barker had been impressive all spring, and then the last couple of times out, he's been knocked around a little bit,

1896
02:27:05,000 --> 02:27:07,000
all told in nine innings, he's allowed nine hits.

1897
02:27:07,000 --> 02:27:13,000
His walk six, six strikeouts, one win, and a 4.00 earned run average.

1898
02:27:13,000 --> 02:27:16,000
He's high, 3-0.

1899
02:27:16,000 --> 02:27:19,000
Sexton is not the biggest target in the world up there.

1900
02:27:19,000 --> 02:27:26,000
5-10. Right-handed swinger Terry Poole and Enos Cabell will follow.

1901
02:27:26,000 --> 02:27:29,000
I would guess the big question about Barker is the control.

1902
02:27:29,000 --> 02:27:33,000
He was very sharp in his stint with the Rangers last year.

1903
02:27:33,000 --> 02:27:37,000
There's a fast ball down the middle, three and one.

1904
02:27:37,000 --> 02:27:41,000
Ellis the catcher, Jorgensen at first, Alomar at second, Mason at short,

1905
02:27:41,000 --> 02:27:45,000
Bavaqua at third, the outfield, May Benekis Thompson from left to right.

1906
02:27:45,000 --> 02:27:49,000
Here's the 3-1 pitch. Where'd that one miss?

1907
02:27:49,000 --> 02:27:56,000
Right down the middle, and Ellis and Barker can't believe it. They called it ball four.

1908
02:27:56,000 --> 02:28:03,000
So Sexton draws the walk. That one didn't miss by too much.

1909
02:28:03,000 --> 02:28:06,000
So we go to the top of the batting order, and Terry Poole,

1910
02:28:06,000 --> 02:28:10,000
Poole without the benefit of a hit has scored three runs today.

1911
02:28:10,000 --> 02:28:16,000
0-2. Walked once, been safe at 0-3. Walked once, been safe at an error,

1912
02:28:16,000 --> 02:28:19,000
has been hit by a pitch. Swings, hits a double play, bounce at a short.

1913
02:28:19,000 --> 02:28:24,000
Mason shovels to Alomar for one. The return to first is not in time.

1914
02:28:24,000 --> 02:28:27,000
Poole really got down the line there in a hurry.

1915
02:28:27,000 --> 02:28:33,000
Looked like a made-to-order double play ball, but it apparently not hit sharply enough

1916
02:28:33,000 --> 02:28:35,000
for the Rangers to turn it over.

1917
02:28:35,000 --> 02:28:40,000
Plus, Jimmy Sexton came in hard on Alomar at second base.

1918
02:28:40,000 --> 02:28:45,000
So Poole legs it out at first, and he's on the base pass for the fourth time today.

1919
02:28:45,000 --> 02:28:48,000
And every other time he's been on there, he's scored.

1920
02:28:48,000 --> 02:28:52,000
So one out runner at first. Here's Enos Cabal. He's two for five.

1921
02:28:52,000 --> 02:28:55,000
He's singled each of his last two trips to the plate.

1922
02:28:55,000 --> 02:29:01,000
Fastball swung out and foul-tipped into the glove of Ellis. It's 0-1-1.

1923
02:29:01,000 --> 02:29:04,000
The Rangers going with a couple of young right-handers in the bullpen

1924
02:29:04,000 --> 02:29:08,000
as the season begins, Comer and Barker.

1925
02:29:08,000 --> 02:29:13,000
Jorgensen holds it first. One strike pitch is shot foul on the right field line.

1926
02:29:13,000 --> 02:29:18,000
0-2. Seza Sardegna on deck.

1927
02:29:18,000 --> 02:29:25,000
In the bottom of the ninth inning, the Rangers' last shot would have Ellis, Jorgensen,

1928
02:29:25,000 --> 02:29:33,000
and Bavacqua do up, possibly against a new Houston pitcher.

1929
02:29:33,000 --> 02:29:39,000
Two strike pitch. Curve, strike, free call.

1930
02:29:39,000 --> 02:29:43,000
It was the overhand curveball that time, and that one was a beauty.

1931
02:29:43,000 --> 02:29:47,000
Came in about neck high and then dipped right over the plate.

1932
02:29:47,000 --> 02:29:50,000
And Cabal goes out looking.

1933
02:29:50,000 --> 02:29:57,000
Barker's first strikeout. Two outs, runner at first, and Seza Sardegna.

1934
02:29:57,000 --> 02:30:00,000
Number 28, the designated hitter, Seza Sardegna.

1935
02:30:00,000 --> 02:30:03,000
Over at first, he might be running with two outs.

1936
02:30:03,000 --> 02:30:06,000
He's stolen three times this spring.

1937
02:30:06,000 --> 02:30:11,000
Here's the pitch. Fastball takes off at a plate too high. Ball one.

1938
02:30:11,000 --> 02:30:14,000
Hard, rising fastball that time.

1939
02:30:14,000 --> 02:30:19,000
Cedeno today, one for four, but has been on the bases three times,

1940
02:30:19,000 --> 02:30:25,000
has driven home a run, and scored a run. His only hit was a double on the first.

1941
02:30:25,000 --> 02:30:28,000
Barker down at the bell. One-oh pitch. Fastball. Knee high for a strike.

1942
02:30:28,000 --> 02:30:32,000
One and one, and Cedeno questions the call.

1943
02:30:32,000 --> 02:30:36,000
We've got a real good view of the pitches here today.

1944
02:30:36,000 --> 02:30:42,000
We're very low, maybe eight feet off the ground, about eight rows back from the backstop.

1945
02:30:42,000 --> 02:30:47,000
Barker on top. One-one pitch. Look out, that one taking off on the inside.

1946
02:30:47,000 --> 02:30:53,000
Cedeno bending back out of there. Two balls and a strike.

1947
02:30:53,000 --> 02:31:01,000
Saturday afternoon at three o'clock, three-oh-five. It'll be Ron Gidrey of the Yankees, 16-7 last year.

1948
02:31:01,000 --> 02:31:05,000
John Matlack for the Rangers.

1949
02:31:05,000 --> 02:31:08,000
World champion Yankees and the Texas Rangers.

1950
02:31:08,000 --> 02:31:14,000
Pool the lead at first. Two-one pitch. Fastball popped up right side of the infield.

1951
02:31:14,000 --> 02:31:18,000
Jorgensen in on the infield grass, reaches out and one-hands it.

1952
02:31:18,000 --> 02:31:21,000
And a good performance by Barker in the night. No runs, no hits.

1953
02:31:21,000 --> 02:31:24,000
And one man is left on. Will go to the last half of the night.

1954
02:31:24,000 --> 02:31:30,000
Houston leading Texas 11-5.

1955
02:31:30,000 --> 02:31:33,000
It's nearly over.

1956
02:31:33,000 --> 02:31:52,000
For Dr. Pepper, here's El Chicano.

1957
02:32:03,000 --> 02:32:32,000
In the bottom of the ninth inning, the Astros will bring in their third pitcher of the day,

1958
02:32:32,000 --> 02:32:40,000
Oscar Zamora. Zamora, 33 years of age, was born in Cuba, now lives in Miami.

1959
02:32:40,000 --> 02:32:43,000
He was signed as a free agent last November.

1960
02:32:43,000 --> 02:32:53,000
Zamora's really been around quite a while and had a very good year for the Chicago Cubs back in 1974 out of the bullpen.

1961
02:32:53,000 --> 02:32:59,000
He was in 56 games for the Cubs that year and a 3.11 earned run average.

1962
02:32:59,000 --> 02:33:08,000
Although his one loss record was 3-9, but he fell apart in 1975 with 5-2 but with a 5.07 ERA.

1963
02:33:08,000 --> 02:33:13,000
Last year started out in Wichita and his ERA there was 7.36.

1964
02:33:13,000 --> 02:33:17,000
Last year in Wichita he was 7-2 with a 4.37 earned run average.

1965
02:33:17,000 --> 02:33:21,000
And the Cubs released him and the Astros obtained him.

1966
02:33:21,000 --> 02:33:25,000
Leading off for Texas, John Ellis, the coach's favorite.

1967
02:33:25,000 --> 02:33:30,000
Ellis takes a strike, it's 0-1, he's batting for the first time today.

1968
02:33:30,000 --> 02:33:37,000
Fastball, does it deep to left field, going back is Walling, he's at the wall, reaches up and can't get it, it's off his well then off the wall.

1969
02:33:37,000 --> 02:33:41,000
And Ellis, steaming into second base with a stand-up double.

1970
02:33:41,000 --> 02:33:45,000
Well I assume they'll give him a double, yes they do.

1971
02:33:45,000 --> 02:33:54,000
Ellis hit that one deep, Walling kept going back, going back and then tried to reach up and backhand it, but it hit off the glove and off the wall and Ellis has a double.

1972
02:33:54,000 --> 02:34:01,000
That is the first Rangers hit since HERA got an RBI single in the fourth inning.

1973
02:34:01,000 --> 02:34:06,000
And the first base runner since the fifth inning.

1974
02:34:06,000 --> 02:34:10,000
The last 11 Ranger batters in succession had been retired until that double.

1975
02:34:10,000 --> 02:34:13,000
And here's Mike Jorgensen batting for the first time today.

1976
02:34:13,000 --> 02:34:16,000
Jorgensen's had a fine spring hitting 3-10.

1977
02:34:16,000 --> 02:34:20,000
Left-handed batter, pitch to him, bounce at a short stop.

1978
02:34:20,000 --> 02:34:32,000
Fielded by Sexton, the long throw, just in time, he almost took too long and just got Jorgensen by half a step said Al Clark.

1979
02:34:32,000 --> 02:34:37,000
That one hit in front of him and Ellis had to hang on at second base.

1980
02:34:37,000 --> 02:34:46,000
So why not, runner still at second and Kurt Bavacka will bat.

1981
02:34:46,000 --> 02:34:50,000
Bavacka extolled the plight of the utility player.

1982
02:34:50,000 --> 02:34:59,000
When Hargrove was hit by the ground ball in infield practice earlier today, everybody, everything in the field stopped and everybody ran over to see how he was.

1983
02:34:59,000 --> 02:35:09,000
Meanwhile Bavacka standing over near third turned to Bump Will and said, you know if I got hit with a line drive, you think everybody would stop and keep running over to take a look at me?

1984
02:35:09,000 --> 02:35:17,000
Bump Will's turner says, well I know I wouldn't. Pitch to him his low ball run.

1985
02:35:17,000 --> 02:35:21,000
Well that's not exactly true though. Bavacka a very valuable member of this club.

1986
02:35:21,000 --> 02:35:28,000
At 333 last year, 96 at Batsy at five home runs for the Rangers and he can play just about everywhere.

1987
02:35:28,000 --> 02:35:36,000
One old pitch, slider in the dirt. Two balls, no strikes. Dave May on deck.

1988
02:35:36,000 --> 02:35:45,000
Texas got a run in the second. Houston tied it in the third. Texas came back with two in the third. Two more in the fourth and had a five to one lead.

1989
02:35:45,000 --> 02:35:50,000
But Houston got three in the fifth, three more in the sixth to lead seven to five and four in the eighth.

1990
02:35:50,000 --> 02:36:00,000
And that's where we are now, 11 to five. Here's a swing, pop up, left field line. Shortstop Sexton straddles the foul line in short left field then makes the catch.

1991
02:36:00,000 --> 02:36:05,000
Bavacka becomes out number two in the ninth and now it's all up to Dave May.

1992
02:36:05,000 --> 02:36:11,000
May has batted once in the ball game, grounded out to second in the seventh.

1993
02:36:11,000 --> 02:36:14,000
Davey hitting 231 coming into the ball game.

1994
02:36:14,000 --> 02:36:18,000
Number 16, the left fielder, Dave May.

1995
02:36:18,000 --> 02:36:24,000
John Ellis who's got a lead off double is still at second base.

1996
02:36:24,000 --> 02:36:30,000
John Loewenstein would be next. Fastball misses inside. One ball, no strikes.

1997
02:36:30,000 --> 02:36:37,000
Two clubs will catch flights out of here later tonight and will play in San Antonio tomorrow.

1998
02:36:37,000 --> 02:36:44,000
Joaquin Andujar for the Astros, Doc Medich for the Rangers. There's a curve outside, 2-0.

1999
02:36:44,000 --> 02:36:48,000
Then on Tuesday they'll go to the Astrodome.

2000
02:36:48,000 --> 02:36:55,000
The Rangers will play the University of Texas. They'll play the University of Houston at five o'clock.

2001
02:36:55,000 --> 02:37:01,000
There's a check swing, slow roller left side of the infield. Cabell cuts across fields it throws it, not in time.

2002
02:37:01,000 --> 02:37:04,000
Dave May beats it out.

2003
02:37:04,000 --> 02:37:10,000
Check swing roller on the left side of the infield. Cabell ranged 40 feet off the third base line,

2004
02:37:10,000 --> 02:37:16,000
fielded it on the grass, threw across the body the first side arm but was not in time to get May.

2005
02:37:16,000 --> 02:37:24,000
And now the Astros will have to get one more man and that would be John Loewenstein

2006
02:37:24,000 --> 02:37:28,000
as the Rangers have run it at first and third. Now with seven hits in the ball game.

2007
02:37:28,000 --> 02:37:33,000
Ellis at third, May is at first. And Loewenstein, one for three with a walk today,

2008
02:37:33,000 --> 02:37:38,000
but his one hit was a home run in the second. Fetch to him. Low ball one.

2009
02:37:38,000 --> 02:37:42,000
But on Tuesday at the Astrodome the Rangers will play the University of Houston.

2010
02:37:42,000 --> 02:37:46,000
And then after that it will be the Astros and the University of Texas.

2011
02:37:46,000 --> 02:37:52,000
And on Wednesday it'll all be over after the Rangers meet Texas at Austin.

2012
02:37:52,000 --> 02:37:57,000
And here's a swing and a miss. One ball, one strike.

2013
02:37:57,000 --> 02:38:02,000
The Rangers will have Thursday and Friday off and then the Yankees at Arlington Stadium on Saturday.

2014
02:38:02,000 --> 02:38:09,000
And we're off and running. The Astros will play Texas A&M on Wednesday and then Thursday they have to play at Cincinnati.

2015
02:38:09,000 --> 02:38:14,000
Here's a swing and a hard drive to center, sinking fast and it's in front of full base head.

2016
02:38:14,000 --> 02:38:21,000
Coming in to score is Ellis. May goes to second base and the Rangers stay alive here in the ninth inning.

2017
02:38:21,000 --> 02:38:27,000
And make it an 11 to 6 ball game. Loewenstein, second RBI today.

2018
02:38:27,000 --> 02:38:32,000
Big John's got eight RBIs now for the spring, not too bad.

2019
02:38:32,000 --> 02:38:39,000
He was hitting 367 coming into the ball game. He's part of the deal for Willie Horton.

2020
02:38:39,000 --> 02:38:45,000
He's got good glove in the outfield. He can run. Looks like he can hit a little bit.

2021
02:38:45,000 --> 02:38:53,000
Here's Bobby Thompson. Check swing foul ball off the bat. 0-1 Thompson. Fly to left in his only trip to the plate.

2022
02:38:53,000 --> 02:38:57,000
There's another guy. He can fly, Bobby Thompson.

2023
02:38:57,000 --> 02:39:02,000
Played a strong, hustling outfield as well. Can cover a lot of ground out there. Runners at first and second, two outs.

2024
02:39:02,000 --> 02:39:09,000
The pitch. Curve, cut the inside corner, strike two.

2025
02:39:09,000 --> 02:39:15,000
On the start of the game show, we'll have a conversation with veteran shortstop Kampi Kampanaris.

2026
02:39:15,000 --> 02:39:18,000
Stay tuned for that. Immediately following the broadcast.

2027
02:39:18,000 --> 02:39:22,000
May at second, Loewenstein at first. Two outs, bottom of the ninth. Two strike pitch.

2028
02:39:22,000 --> 02:39:35,000
Hit right back through the middle. Goes under the glove of Zamora and all hands are safe.

2029
02:39:35,000 --> 02:39:40,000
Thompson hit a roller right back through the middle. It went right under the glove of Zamora.

2030
02:39:40,000 --> 02:39:45,000
Second baseman Art Howe fielded it near second base but had no play.

2031
02:39:45,000 --> 02:39:51,000
Dave May goes to third. Loewenstein goes to second. Thompson at first with the infield single.

2032
02:39:51,000 --> 02:39:56,000
The fourth hit of the inning for the Rangers. And now Juan Beníquez will stand in.

2033
02:39:56,000 --> 02:39:58,000
Beníquez, one for four today.

2034
02:39:58,000 --> 02:40:07,000
Don't go anywhere. It's 11 to 6 and the Rangers are still batting. There's the breaking ball outside, ball one.

2035
02:40:07,000 --> 02:40:14,000
Outfield deep and straight away. 11 to 6 but the bases are loaded with two outs and the last of the ninth.

2036
02:40:14,000 --> 02:40:18,000
Now Beníquez says Zamora is taking too much time.

2037
02:40:18,000 --> 02:40:26,000
Zamora is one of four Astro pitches fighting for the lone pitching spot still remaining in the Astro roster.

2038
02:40:26,000 --> 02:40:28,000
Now the windup, the 1-0 pitch.

2039
02:40:28,000 --> 02:40:33,000
Swung on a long drive to deep left field. Way back and it's off the wall.

2040
02:40:33,000 --> 02:40:40,000
One run scores. Loewenstein scores. Here comes Thompson. Here comes the throw. Safe at home.

2041
02:40:40,000 --> 02:40:54,000
A three run double for Juan Beníquez.

2042
02:40:54,000 --> 02:40:57,000
Major League has said it's an 11 to 9 ball game.

2043
02:40:57,000 --> 02:41:05,000
And now Sandy Anemar represents the potential tying run of this ball game.

2044
02:41:05,000 --> 02:41:09,000
Well we finally had one of those springtime slugfests.

2045
02:41:09,000 --> 02:41:14,000
Most of the time all spring we've had tightly played Major League ball games.

2046
02:41:14,000 --> 02:41:21,000
Five-three, three-two type games. Very few errors. Good pitching. Heads up play.

2047
02:41:21,000 --> 02:41:26,000
Haven't had any of those 15 to 13 ties. Well we've got an 11 to 9 ball game going today.

2048
02:41:26,000 --> 02:41:32,000
And so the Texas Rangers who were dormant since the fourth inning have sprung for four here in the night.

2049
02:41:32,000 --> 02:41:38,000
Well he's still alive and Sandy Anemar who doesn't hit them often but if he hits one now we're all tied up.

2050
02:41:38,000 --> 02:41:45,000
Jim Mason on deck. Zamora at the belt. Check second. Curve is very high. Ball one.

2051
02:41:45,000 --> 02:41:49,000
Juan Beníquez really stroked that one off the left center field wall.

2052
02:41:49,000 --> 02:41:54,000
That brought home May, Lowenstein, and Bobby Thompson who scored all the way from first.

2053
02:41:54,000 --> 02:42:06,000
Boy he really got around the bases. One old pitch. Fast ball. They said it was a strike. Let her high. One and one.

2054
02:42:06,000 --> 02:42:10,000
Anemar didn't particularly like the call. Neither did the fans here in Tulsa.

2055
02:42:10,000 --> 02:42:17,000
One ball and one strike. Two outs. Beníquez at second. It's 11 to 9. Houston.

2056
02:42:17,000 --> 02:42:22,000
Anemar with a base hit trying to deliver that tenth run. Probably would with a base hit.

2057
02:42:22,000 --> 02:42:33,000
The stretch of the pitch. High fly ball. The shallow right field. Art Howell on the edge of the grass. Makes the catch and it's all over.

2058
02:42:33,000 --> 02:42:43,000
In the ninth inning. Four of the Rangers. Four runs. Four hits. Five hits. Correct that.

2059
02:42:43,000 --> 02:42:52,000
No errors. One man left on. The final score. The Texas Rangers beaten by the Houston Astros 11 to 9.

2060
02:42:52,000 --> 02:43:16,000
We'll be back with the final totals in 60 seconds.