Jacoby Ellsbury is back, and looks just as good as he did when he left.
Texas turned to the bullpen with Matt Harrison finally ending his long, difficult night. Unfortunately for the Rangers, the pen offered no relief. A leadoff single for Darnell McDonald set the stage for Jacoby Ellsbury, who wrapped one around the pole in right for, amazingly, his 23rd home run of the season.
He made an impact in the bottom of the inning too, making a nearly identical play to the running grab he had in Tuesday’s game, tracing down a long fly ball in center that would have absolutely been extra bases. To recap, that’s a terrific defensive play, a single, an infield single, a stolen base, and a home run for the MVP candidate. Simply put, he’s doing it all.
The running grab helped Beckett end his night with six full innings pitched. The count never really got under control, but it’s impossible to scoff at a one-run night against this bunch in Texas. Terry Francona can now turn to his bullpen with a pretty much untouchable lead.