Blue Hats, 0-1

Kris Benson, making his first start in 2 years, was roughed up Friday to the tune of eight runs (seven earned) in five innings. The Detroit Tigers went on to a 15-2 victory. All-Star Miguel Cabrera, who had six RBIs on the afternoon, broke the game open with a fourth-inning grand slam that all but ended any chance Texas had of crawling back into the fight.

"It's their day, but we could have ruined it," outfielder Marlon Byrd said. "Oh well, nobody goes 162-0. We'll just have to settle for 161-1."

After drilling Cleveland to the tune of 18 extra-base hits in 3 games, Texas managed only 5 singles in seven innings against Detroit starter Armando Galarraga. Adding insult to injury, Galarraga is a former Rangers player, traded at the end of 2007 for what amounted to a box of baseballs and some hotdog mustard.

"They had a good day," Rangers third baseman Michael Young said. "They swung it well. They were aggressive. You could tell it was their home opener. Everything went their way. You chalk it up to that and come out tomorrow."

Benson gave up 10 hits and walked 2 but as poorly as he pitched, his relief was no better, as the combination of Warner Madrigal and Josh Rupe walked another 6 batters, hitting another, giving up 7 more runs in 4 innings.



The lone bright spot of the day came in the 9th inning when Nelson Cruz hit yet another homerun, his 4th in 4 games this season.