Eric Hurley Impresses Home Crowd as Fellow Rookies Follow Suit

The Rangers' battery Sunday night was a prime example of the Minor League system producing talent—actually, it was almost the entire lineup.

Starting pitcher Eric Hurley to Max Ramirez. Hurley, the 24-year-old right hander to Ramirez, the 23-year-old prospect acquired for Kenny Lofton before last year's trade deadline, was a sight to see.

Hurley threw 105 pitches through 5.2 innings of powerful pitching, and Ramirez called a smart game. He backed up his pitch calling by throwing out Shane Victorino attempting to steal second base in the first inning.

Who said Ramirez was all stick and no glove? To this fan, it looks that he is a great combination of both.

Hurley looked as sharp as your rookie pitcher should be, as he obtained the first win of his Major League career. The Rangers' first round draft pick from 2004 once again located his fastball and curveball for strikes, continually going inside on any and every hitter at the plate.

He also used his change-up very effectively against sluggers the likes of Chase Utley (I am still holding out hope that I find some kind of relation to this man), Ryan Howard, and Pat Burrell, who went a collective 3-for-11 against the Rangers' pitching staff.

The biggest key to Hurley's start had to be his ability to get ahead in the count. Many times he started the at-bat with first pitch strikes. Eric was not intimidated. This is something that really sticks out to a manager as his young pitcher attempts to establish himself in the Bigs.

Although Hurley and Ramirez worked well together, another Ranger rookie is making a case to be the most noteworthy.

Left-handed hitting Chris Davis, who belted his second home run of his short Major League career, is quickly constructing a "Hank who?" resume at first base.

His home run in the second inning against grandpa Jamie Moyer was a drive that just cleared the center field fence at the 400-foot sign. Neither of Chris Davis' long balls have been pulled to right field. His first home run was sent to left-center field in the opener of the Phillies series.

Ian Kinsler went 3-for-4 to join Christian Guzman of the Nationals for the most hits in the league at 110. Josh Hamilton drove in his league-leading 79th RBI and went 2-for-4 on the day.

This continued prowess at the plate, coupled with quality pitching, could equate into a surprise Rangers playoff run in August and September.

To quote J.P. from the movie Angels in the Outfield, hey, "It could happen!"