5 W’s — From What to Why: Mike Napoli’s Big Night Leads Rangers Past Padres
Daily article discussing one of the most important events from the previous day of baseball. The 5 W’s will be discussed, concluding with the why — as in why it is important.
What?
The Texas Rangers have been struggling this season, putting up a 15–20 record through their first 35 games. As the Rangers went for a sweep of a two-game series against the San Diego Padres, Texas had a chance to start turning their luck around.
Who?
Rangers designated hitter Mike Napoli
When?
Thursday, May 11, 2017
Where?
Globe Life Park in Arlington, Arlington, TX
Why?
Trailing 2–0 entering the eighth inning, the Texas Rangers looked lost at the plate. They scattered just three singles off Padres starter Clayton Richard in the first seven frames, and Richard looked like he had a chance to record his first complete game shutout since August 2012.
As Mike Napoli dug in to leadoff the bottom of the eighth, he took the first pitch he saw into the left-center field bleachers, pulling the Rangers within one. Carlos Gómez would single in the next at-bat to end Richard’s evening.
Brad Hand was able to come in and get two strikeouts and a lineout to retire the Rangers, and keep the Padres up 2–1 heading into the ninth. Rangers closer Sam Dyson took care of San Diego, and the stage was set for a potential Rangers comeback.
Padres closer Brandon Maurer led off the ninth by getting Shin-Soo Choo to fly out. Elvis Andrus would then single, followed by a Jonathan Lucroy single, putting runners on the corners for Rougned Odor. Odor singled as well, and the game was tied at two with Napoli coming up again.
Needing just a single or sacrifice fly to send the crowd home happy, Napoli decided to do something just a bit more exciting. He worked Maurer to a 3–1 count, and promptly sent a pitch into the upper deck of the left field bleachers to give the Rangers a 5–2 victory.
Texas will look to keep their momentum rolling as the Oakland Athletics come to town for a weekend series.
