Darvish’s no-hitter squandered in 9th; Rangers win 8-0

Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

The Texas Rangers pulverized the Boston Red Sox, winning the game 8-0 on Friday night for the first of three in Arlington, Texas. Boston was seeking to improve their record after reaching the .500 mark for the first time since the first week of the season. However, Yu Darvish and the Texas Rangers had other plans and knocked the Red Sox back under .500 (17-18). Texas plateaus to 19-17 with the victory.

The formidable Yu Darvish took the hill for the struggling Rangers and Clay Buchholz for the Red Sox. Despite getting smothered by the Rangers, this game was entertaining for one reason — Darvish. The right-hander was masterful on the mound. His breaking ball was lethal and he located his fastball well. His ability to change speeds is uncanny and it was certainly present while he composed a beautiful one-hitter.  In nine innings of work, he allowed one hit, zero runs, two walks, and struck out eleven batters.

Darvish took the spotlight while Clay Buchholz’s struggles persisted.  He allowed ten hits, six runs, two walks, and punched out three, in four and 1/3 innings of work.

Elvis Andrus and Mitch Moreland were the offensive MVPs. In nine at-bats, they amassed seven hits, which accounted for 50 percent of the hits accumulated by the Rangers in tonight’s game.

Game Notes: 

• Darvish took a no-hitter through eight and 2/3 innings. David Ortiz squeaked a ground ball past the diving glove of Rougned Odor, botching Darvish’s second realistic opportunity at a no-hitter.
• Odor, the highly-touted prospect, collected his first big-league hit in the fourth inning off Buchholz.
• Chris Capuano allowed two runs in this game, increasing his May ERA to 16.20. He did not allow a run in April.

The Red Sox take on the Rangers tomorrow night  at 8:05 p.m. Eastern Time. Red Sox’ ace Jon Lester takes the hill against Martin Perez.