Andrus' bid to jump-start Rangers thwarted
Shortstop singles in 5th, but is thrown out trying to steal
ARLINGTON -- Elvis Andrus at least tried to create something offensively for the Rangers. It seemed like the valorous thing to do on a night when nobody else could do much of anything against Padres starter Tyson Ross.
The Rangers weren't doing much hitting, so Andrus tried to jump-start the offense with the running game in the fifth. But he was thrown out trying to steal and Texas went quietly in a 7-0 loss to San Diego on Monday night at Petco Park.
"Elvis has the green light," manager Jeff Banister said. "We're trying to make something happen and having a hard time against their guy. Elvis is a guy who creates things for us."
The Rangers trailed, 2-0, going into the fifth when Andrus led off with a single against Ross. It was only the club's second hit off of Ross with the other being a two-out double by Prince Fielder in the first inning.
With Will Venable at the plate, Andrus tried to steal second, but was gunned down by Padres catcher Austin Hedges on a close play. Hedges is the backup catcher, but has a strong arm. Andrus said he was trying to take advantage of Ross more than stealing off Hedges.
"I know [Ross] is slow to the plate, so I knew there was a little bit of a chance," Andrus said. "But their catcher has a really good arm and he got me there."
"It was a bang-bang play," Banister said. "Elvis had a good jump, but it was a terrific throw. If he is safe, that game is a different story. But a guy like Ross, you have to be aggressive and make things happen."
The play was close and Andrus motioned to the dugout for a review. But Banister, after getting consultation from the clubhouse, elected not to challenge the call.
"I thought I had a chance," Andrus said. "He tagged me on the arm and I felt my hand get in there. It was extremely close. It was just a good throw on a close play. That's the way we're going to be. We're going to be aggressive and take advantage of our opportunities. It just didn't happen for us tonight."
The Rangers only had one more hit the rest of the night, a single by Andrus to lead off the seventh. At that point, Texas trailed, 6-0, and Andrus did not try to steal.