Rangers @ Rays, Nick Martinez vs. David Price... Nick who??? Rangers lose 5-4 to Rays, not Nick Martinez's fault

The Nick Martinez (NM) adventure began tonight...

Glass Half Empty / Afternoon Cloud: The bullpen was handed a 4-3 lead going into the 7th and could not deliver the win.  And I know it's early in the season but Prince Fielder has not been that impressive, and was 0-fer today.

Glass Half Full / Silver Lining: Yup, Nick Martinez left the game with a lead, not too bad for his first MLB start.  Jeff Wilson, Choo and Elvis had a multi hit game.  Rios drove in 2.

Thoughts / Observations / Sidenotes: The injuries to the starting pitchers of course affects the bullpen, instead of Robbie Ross and Scheppers coming into the game into a game the Rangers are winning in the 7th and 8th you get Frasor and Cotts.  When your unknown 5th starter hands you a lead after a good, solid outing you have to make that hold up.  They didn't tonight.  Darn.

Yu makes his season debut tomorrow.

Top of 4:
Jeff Wilson got another hit, second for the game.

And the Rangers made David Price throw a lot of pitches, in this inning and in the game to this point.  And and Choo had a long at bat, came back from an 0-2 count and eventually had a sac fly to score the runner from 3B.  Awesome.

Rangers tacked on another run, 4-1 Rangers.

Bottom of 3:
I wasn't expecting NM to shut out the Rays.  NM made a mistake and Escobar hit a solo homer to LF.  That homer got out the yard in a hurry.  No other harm done.  Rangers lead 3-1.

Top of 3:
Rangers retired in order.  Price looked like he settled down after the Rangers got to him early.

Bottom of 2:
NM got out of some trouble.  Rays stranded 2 runners.  Rangers still winning 3-0.

Top of 2:
Rangers tack on another run.  3-0 Rangers.

Bottom of 1:
The Nick Martinez (NM) adventure is about to begin...

3 up.  3 down.  Not too shabby for NM's first inning of pitching in the bigs.

Top of 1:
Choo is just a great lead off hitter.  Again he got on base to start a game.

Elvis' beard looks fake.

2 out double by Rios scored Choo and Elvis.  Rangers winning 2-0.