The rookie outfielder for the Rangers has in the leadoff spot and had a monster outing. He finished the game 4-for-5 with two runs, two RBIs and four steals. The outburst raised his batting average on the season from .231 to .389.

Borbon wasn’t the lone Ranger racking up the steals. Elvis Andrus had three steals and Ian Kinsler added a steal. The eight total steals tied a high for the 2009 baseball season by any team.

On the pitching mound, starter Derek Holland was very good for the Rangers. In 6.2 innings, he gave up only two earned runs. Rookie fireballer Neftali Feliz pitched the final two innings to pick up the first save of his career.

With the win, the Rangers move within half a game of the Red Sox in the AL Wild Card standings. The two teams play again on Sunday. On the line? The lead in the Wild card race.

Julio Borbon - Texas Rangers (Image: Zuma Press)

Post from: EveryJoe

Julio Borbon Speeds Rangers Past Red Sox

After watching today’s New York Mets game, I think Mets fans can point to this game as the reason they acquired Johan Santana from the Minnesota Twins before the season. Santana pitched a complete game shutout against the Florida Marlins Saturday afternoon. That win, coupled with a Milwaukee Brewers loss propelled the Mets into a tie at the top of the National League Wild Card race.

Santana allowed just three hits and struck out nine in the win as he picked up his 16th win of the season. After June 28th of this season, Santana had fallen to 7-7 overall. But, the Mets’ ace has reeled off nine consecutive wins in his last 17 starts.

This is the reason New York General Manager Omar Minaya picked up Santana. And should the Mets hold off the Brewers (and let’s be truthful – not blow it), Santana should be looked to as the savior of this organization – again, that is if they make the playoffs. If not, Santana just had one heck of a second half of the season and did all he could to help his team.

Image: Newscom

Post from: EveryJoe

This is why the Mets acquired Johan Santana