Nice Start For Texas

Starter Kevin Millwood looked like the guy Texas thought they'd signed 3 seasons ago, allowing one run (via wild pitch) on five hits, while striking out five in seven innings as the Rangers snapped a five-game Opening Day losing streak with a 9-1 victory over the Indians at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington on Monday.



Texas exploded for four runs in the bottom of the second inning, thanks to a pair of 2-out base hits by Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Ian Kinsler. Hank Blalock then drilled a three-run home run in the fifth off last years AL Cy Young award winner, Cliff Lee (0-1). Mike Young had an RBI single and Salty added a solo homerun in the eigth inning, capping the offense for Texas.

Both C.J. Wilson and Frank Francisco pitched one inning, each striking out one batter, not allowing a single baserunner between them.


Additional Notes:

- Blalock has now hit a home run in five of the Rangers' past seven home openers.

- Millwood was making his fourth consecutive Opening Day start -- the most in club history -- but this was the first time he emerged victorious. His last Opening Day victory was in 2003, with the Phillies.

- Elvis Andrus had a double -- his first Major League hit -- in the second and played very well defensively, assisting in two double plays that got Millwood out of jams.

- Every player in the Rangers starting lineup save for Chris Davis managed at least one base hit.