Kyle Gibson has had forgettable first Texas Rangers season. That changed vs. Astros.
A look at the MLB standings shows that the Pittsburgh Pirates have really stepped on the gas in their bid for the No. 1 pick in the 2021 MLB draft.
They were a half-game behind the Texas Rangers a week ago, but have won only one game since for a 14-34 record. The Rangers are still positioning for a top-five pick, but have won five times and are 18-31 since holding baseball’s worst record Sept. 8.
To those who have been paying attention, that last sentence should be a hint for how Wednesday went.
Here’s some Rangers Reaction from a 1-0 victory over the Houston Astros.
Holy Gibson
That’s the kind of performance the Rangers were expecting when they signed Kyle Gibson to a three-year, $28 million extension.
Well, not even they might have been expecting that.
Gibson tossed his first career shutout, a four-hitter, in what was by far his best start in his first Rangers season. He struck out a season-high nine, walked three and threw 114 pitches.
The last four might have been the most taxing. Alex Bregman hit pitch No. 111 for a two-out single, and that brought manager Chris Woodward out from the dugout.
Woodward, though, didn’t go to closer Rafael Montero.
“I was worried about him physically a little bit, but he did a good job convincing me to let him stay in,” Woodward said. “With two outs right there I felt like he was going to be able to get through it at that point.”
Gibson then started Kyle Tucker with two balls, and Tucker smashed pitch No. 114. It was a line drive, which first baseman Ronald Guzman plucked from the air.
Gibson received more help defensively, with Jeff Mathis throwing out two runners trying to steal second base. Joey Gallo made a nice diving catch in right field in the fourth inning. His two-out RBI double in the ninth snapped a scoreless tie.
“The defense made a couple really good plays that picked me up,” said Gibson, who won for only the second time in 10 starts. “When the ball went off Tucker’s bat, I knew it wasn’t quite off the barrel. I was just hoping that it didn’t get high enough to get over that Guzy frame. Fortunately he’s tall.”
The performance was a culmination of a couple weeks’ worth of adjustments, especially when pitching from the stretch. Gibson spoke to pitching coach Julio Rangel, run prevention coordinator Brett Hayes, Mathis and Double A Frisco manager Bobby Wilson, who caught Gibson some in Minnesota in 2018.
Gibson then had to find a way to stay confident in the midst of one of the worst stretches of his career.
“So much the past couple weeks has gone into that right there,” he said. “I think some of it was trying to simplify things and get back to the identity of who I am on the mound.”
The start also serves as a nice springboard into 2021. Yes, Gibson will make two more starts this season, but he thinks he has found something to give the Rangers in what will be a rebuilding season.
The Rangers need him to be part of a culture that will help foster development and teach young players how to win games. Winning begins with starting pitching, after all.
Oh, that speed
Gallo’s double down the right-field line somehow stayed fair in a season that has gone foul for him and the Rangers, and he rightfully deserves credit for hitting a tough breaking ball from Astros closer Ryan Pressley.
Leody Taveras scored easily on the play, and Taveras’ speed is what allowed Gallo a chance to win the game.
Taveras started the ninth with a hard grounder to first baseman Yuli Gurriel, who headed to the bag for the out. The problem is he forgot the ball and then rushed and missed it again as he tried to beat Taveras.
It was scored an infield hit.
After Willie Calhoun struck out, Isiah Kiner-Falefa hit another grounder to Gurriel. He looked at second and considered trying to get Taveras for the force and potentially start an inning-ending double play. Instead, Gurriel took the safe out at first even though it allowed Taveras to reach scoring position for Gallo.
“I think if anybody else is running it’s a pretty easy play,” Woodward said. “Just pick the ball up and tag first base, but his speed, obviously, caused havoc right here.”
Gallo said there was momentum in the dugout to get Gibson just one run for a chance at a win. Gallo said he could hear his teammates pulling for him from the dugout during his at-bat.
It was clutch hit for Gallo, who is still batting blow .200 (.188) with 11 games remaining.
“I just wanted to come through for the team,” he said. “Today, yesterday, I haven’t had the best at-bats. I’ve hit a couple balls hard, but I haven’t had anything. I knew I had an opportunity there with a guy on second. Obviously, with Gibby throwing so well that if we get one run, we have a chance to really win this game.”
Giving Day
Thursday is the annual North Texas Giving Day, when charities around the region seek assistance from from the fine people in the Metroplex and beyond.
This year has been a tough one for charities to raise money, just as 2020 has been tough on every business, family and friend amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Some seeking assistance Thursday are familiar to baseball fans.
Those who want to help the Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation can do so here.
Those who want to help Food for the Soul, which works with Gibson through St. Louis-based Big League Impact, can do so here.
Those who want to help the Do It For Durrett Foundation can do so here.
DIFD tugs at many in the media. The Rangers Foundation has helped DIFD, named after former ESPN writer and radio host Richard Durrett. It helps families who have lost a mom or dad and need some help making ends meet.
Good causes all, and all need assistance this year.
This story was originally published September 16, 2020 at 11:16 PM.
