The Texas Rangers opened a 3-game set against the AL Central-leading Minnesota Twins yesterday evening. It was ugly, to say the least. The Rangers found themselves down 6-0 after the second inning. Starting pitcher Adrian Sampson was throwing batting practice to Twins’ hitters, which is not recommended when facing a team that just set the MLB pre-All-Star break home run record (165). Sampson allowed 11 hits, 7 runs and 2 home runs in just 3.1 innings pitched.
Down 7-0 at the time of Sampson’s departure, Texas handed the ball to newcomer Jesse Biddle.