Eric Hurley's Quality Start All for Naught in Opener of Silver Boot Series

Joaquin Benoit is back with a vengeance! That is the title I wish I could have used for this article. Now I am left to find a decent play on words for Benoit. Ben-not? Ben-better? Ben-there-done-that? I'll get back to you.

Eric Hurley deserved better. The class of the Rangers minor league system showed the 40,000 fans in Houston why he is just that.

Hurley threw six innings of two-run ball while pitching mainly off his fastball and changeup. Hurley didn't have great command of his breaking pitch, but located it for strikes at important times.

Although the Rangers lost the game, a different loss could spell more trouble down the road. Josh Hamilton left the game after the fourth inning with what was termed inflammation in his left knee.

This means now that the most potent part of the Rangers batting order, Hamilton and Milton Bradley, are both out of the lineup indefinitely.

Frank Francisco relieved Hurley to start the seventh inning and did his job like he should have. Throw strikes, keep the ball down, and don't give up any more runs.

Joaquin - are you taking notes?

The undoing happened in the eighth inning. Joaquin Benoit came into the game and gave up a walk to face Lance Berkman. A meat-ball low in the strike zone was taken out of the park with a quick flick of the wrists. The game was out of reach.

Although the Rangers rallied in the bottom of the ninth, it was just too big of a hill to climb. Benoit's appearance, or lack thereof, was the knock-out blow of the night.

Benoit has had his share of trouble this season. Last night was his first appearance in two weeks after being inactive the past two weeks with shoulder inflammation. All this inflammation - maybe these Rangers need some Icy Hot.

Stay tuned for more 'Gers coverage.

Ya Baby.