One & Done; Rangers exit playoffs early

The two-time defending American League Champions won’t be returning to the World Series this year. The Baltimore Orioles put an end to the Texas Rangers season tonight with a 5-1 win in the first ever A.L. wildcard play-in game. The underdog Orioles went into Ranger country and shut down Ron Washington’s once-potent offense.

Perennial MVP candidate Josh Hamilton was booed after striking out in what may have been his final at-bat as a Ranger. Hamilton went 0 for 4 and fanned to end the eighth inning. When it was over Ron Washington looked like he was about to cry. Poor, pitiful Rangers.

The Astros newest rival has officially completed one of the most disappointing weeks in baseball history. After dropping the last three games of the regular season to lose the division by one game, the Rangers made it four straight losses to end their season.  It couldn’t have happened to a nicer organization. The jury is now in. Nolan Ryan’s shit stinks just as much as everyone else’s does.

Bottom line: When it was all said and done the mighty Rangers got to play one more game than the lowly Astros.

The Cinderella season continues for Buck Showalter and the Baltimore Orioles. Next up: The New York Yankees.

Tim Heitman-US PRESSWIRE