September 9, 2017
Globe Life Park – Arlington, Texas
I went to this game alone. I decided to start my NFL trip with a baseball game. Since the NFL season starts tomorrow and it was a really nice Saturday, no one really wanted to go. The half empty stadium proved it.
Results
Final Score: Yankees 3, Rangers 1
Although I don’t have a live video to prove it, my prediction was that the Yankees would win behind strong pitching from Luis Severino. My integrity of a sports fan would not lie to you and if you read my other posts you will realize I always bet on my favorites.
The Game
Luis Severino pitched a gem, going 7 innings while only allowing one hit and one run. He struck out 10 and looked really dominant! David Robertson and Aroldis Chapman both pitched an inning each not allowing a base runner. This was Chapman’s first save since being yelled at on the mound up in Fenway by Girardi a few weeks ago. These are all good things heading into the last month of the season and hopefully the playoffs!
There was not much offense to speak of as Andrew Cashner also pitched well for the Rangers. He went 7+ innings only allowing four hits and one run. It was that “+” that got him. Not sure why the manager allowed him to start the 7th inning with almost 100 pitches, but he immediately hit a batter and gave up a single.
The game winning hit and RBI went to Tyler Austin. He came into the game at first base in the bottom of the 8th inning after Matt Holiday had pinched hit for Greg Bird. It was a solid line drive by Austin in the top of the 9th, which was good to see from the young rising star. Yanks tacked on an insurance run with a bases loaded walk.
The Stadium
Overall Rating: B+
The stadium was nice but it is way out in Arlington. Not much to do before or after the game out there. Concession lines were good and there really isn’t a bad seat in the stadium (try to stay out of the sun though).
Love, Hate, Shout Out
Love: First Time Seeing Aaron Judge. I was really hoping I would get to see him this season. I have been traveling the world since his MLB debut in August of 2016. Although he didn’t have a hit he did have a walk, score a run and worked the count full three separate at bats.
Hate: Going to games alone (kind of). I don’t mid it, but I don’t let it happen too often. I like to be able to talk sports with someone and experience the stadium/game. It happens once in a while and if it is a game I really want to see, I will do it. You won’t see this happen too often this year, trust me.
Shout Out: Yankees Pitching. The Yanks only gave up one hit all game to a Rangers team that has a good offense and has been scoring a lot of runs as of late.
Fan Tips
Wear sunscreen, it is Texas and it is sunny. This seems like a no brainer but guess who forgot? I thought it was September and cooler! Nope.
Park at Six Flags in the very back of the lot. It is only a 5 minute walk over to the stadium and there is plenty of room to tailgate.